Colchester Rugby Club cannot wait to embark on a new era of national rugby, says Anthony O’Riordan.

But the club’s director of rugby has warned his newly-promoted side not to expect any easy games, this season.

Colchester play their first-ever National League Three match today when they host Gravesend, at Mill Road (kick-off 3pm).

The boys in black are still on a high, following their impressive promotion as London One North champions last season.

And O’Riordan says they are raring to go as they prepare to compete at their highest-ever level, in the club’s 90th anniversary year.

He said: “The players are all very upbeat and we can’t wait to get started.

“We’re really excited and there’s a very positive vibe around the rugby club at all levels.

“It’s the highest-ever standard that the club has ever played and it’s our 90th anniversary, which is very special.

“I’m over the moon with how pre-season has gone and it’s probably the best that I’ve been involved with but we know there will be no easy weekends for us.

“Without being disrespectful, the nature of the league last season was such that we could field a development side and still be successful.

“But that won’t be the case this weekend or in future games.

“From a management point of view it’ll also be a bit more difficult - we have to make sure that they are given the best advice and are in the best shape possible.

“The speed will be different and it’s about learning and understanding that everything we do has to be maintained - it’s a little bit more precise.

“A lot has happened since we won promotion and we’ve changed the way we’ve gone about things.

“We’ve fine-tuned a few things and the players have all responded.

“We’ve had a strength and conditioning coach and we haven’t been resting on our laurels.

“We’ve not ripped things up and we haven’t changed personnel as such but we have recruited into the team.”

Colchester will be captained by Liam Pickett this season and O’Riordan believes he will lead the team well.

“Liam leads by example - he has a physical presence and when he goes forward, people follow,” said O’Riordan.

“He doesn’t speak too often but when he does, his words are concise and meaningful and that is very important at this level.