Anthony O’Riordan says Colchester Rugby Club’s whole set-up is geared up for success, ahead of the new season.

The Mill Road side kick-off a brand new campaign in National League Three when they host Guernsey this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

Colchester are hoping to build on their impressive maiden campaign in the division, last year.

And although they might not boast the financial resources of some of their rivals, O’Riordan feels that the fact that the club is thriving from senior down to minis level bodes well for the coming season.

O’Riordan said: “You have to look at the product we’re selling and ours is second to none.

“In all of the years I’ve been involved in rugby, this is the most professional outfit I’ve worked in and it’s done without losing the benefits of what we’re working within.

“We’re an amateur club so recruiting players in a climate where people are paying players is difficult.

“But it’s a good challenge and one that we rise to and it’s not something that we moan about.

“We’re really fortunate in that we have an incredibly talented side.

“Our strength is that we don’t go for mercenaries; we go through our successful youth and minis set-up.

“We might have lost games but we have lost them through pulling together and trying to win the fight.”

Colchester finished their pre-season programme with two friendlies, last weekend.