PONTYPOOL have a tough start to the new Swalec Championship campaign but new director of rugby Alun Carter wouldn't have it any other way.

This season promises to be a fascinating one now that Ebbw Vale have returned to the top flight after four titles on the spin.

Pooler will be among those eyeing a challenge for top spot and they open their season with a trip to Bargoed, who are also likely to be among the leading pack.

"In a lot of ways it's good to throw yourself straight in, it's a tough game but it sharpens the senses," said Carter, who has taken over the reins after head coach Mike Hook left for Bridgend.

"We've retained the majority of our squad from last season and it's exciting to have brought back Rob Nash, Jamie Jeune and Tom Hancock.

"But I am not setting any big goals and, while it's a cliché, I will just be going from game to game, taking each one on its merits.

"We will see where we are at various stages throughout the season but it's a tough league with Merthyr coming up, Swansea dropping down from the Premiership and RGC 1404 strengthening."

Newbridge will also be looking for a much better campaign after freshening things up both on and off the field following a 12th-place finish in 2013/14.

Rhys Bowen and Kristian Owen have joined the management team while plenty of new recruits have signed up, including new captain and former Ebbw Vale, Newport, Cross Keys and Bedwas prop Ian George.

"The boys have worked hard in a tough pre-season," said team manager Darren Venn. "We had some difficult fixtures which were carefully chosen to put us in a position where we are ready.

"We hope to hit the ground running but time will tell. We are a new side that will take time to gel but we feel that there is the ability in the squad to be a force in the league.

"It's a tough start at Tondu but we head there with confidence in our own ability."

Blackwood aim to stun one of the favourites for the title when they welcome RGC 1404 to Glan-yr-Afon Park.

Last season's corresponding fixture saw the North Walians triumph 56-10 on their way to finishing third in the table.

Blackwood, who enjoyed useful pre-season workouts against Risca, Bridgwater and Blaenavon, will hope to avoid a repeat of last season when they needed a strong finish in order to clamber out of the relegation zone.

Other fixtures: Cardiff Met v Swansea, Glynneath v Tata Steel, Llanharan v Merthyr, Narberth v Bridgend Ath.