IT is ‘now or never’ for Colchester Rugby Club on the eve of their crunch play-off clash with Brighton Blues.

That is the view of the club’s director of rugby Anthony O’Riordan, ahead of their vital game at Mill Road tomorrow.

A place in next season’s London and SE Premier division is the coveted prize on offer for the winners.

And with a bumper crowd expected, the Blacks are hoping to make home advantage count in their bid for promotion to level five, previously known as National League 3.

After a fine season in London One North, O’Riordan is expecting Colchester’s players to rise to the occasion and pull out all the stops to achieve their goal.

He said: “The past performances don’t really matter now – it’s all about what happens on Saturday.

“It is the outcome of this one-off game that will determine where we will play, next season.

“We’re really fortunate at Colchester in that the boys that we have brought in are Colchester lads.

“It’s now or never and the players all fully appreciate the responsibility they have but we could not ask for a better finish to the season.

“It promises to be a very special day to finish the season.”

Colchester have had a fortnight to prepare for the game against Brighton, who clinched a play-off spot on the final day of their season after victory over Camberley.

They finished as runners-up in a competitive London One South division but the Blacks have been in excellent form all season and have tasted defeat only twice, losing on both occasions to champions Rochford Hundred.

“We’ve played a lot of physical rugby this season,” said O’Riordan.

“We’ve had a really good two weeks building up to the game and the attitude, tempo and focus has been completely refreshed.

“We’ve rotated a lot of players recently in preparation and we’ve rested bodies.”

Colchester host Brighton tomorrow for a place in next season’s London and SE Premier, kick-off 3pm.