The club has welcomed three Tongans - Hal Honemau, Mahe Fangupo and Tohi Nusipepa - as well as two Fijians - Nathan Langilangi and Masi Seru.

They are also expecting another Fijian to join them for a few games throughout the season.

In addition, a new player from Ireland is arriving in Forbes today.

Forbes Rugby Union Club president Tracey Prior said these new players are a much-welcome boost.

“It’s really about making sure the club has good numbers this year through the ranks,” she said.

“Most of these guys are seniors but for us to continue to be competitive we need to ensure we’ve got good numbers and that we’re strong in reserve grade and first grade.

“It was important that we had good numbers this year to compliment the local guys.”

Ms Prior said there was a lot of excitement at their annual general meeting held recently.

“It was a chance for us to talk about the beginning of the season; everyone was really positive,” she said.

“There’s certainly an air of excitement for the start of the season which will come around really quickly.

“We are quietly hopeful; with the new recruits there’s an injection of enthusiasm from the current players.

“It makes you hungrier for your position when you’ve got other guys breathing down your neck.”

Ms Prior said more players are welcome and encourages anyone interested in playing this year to go along to training on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6.30pm.

The Wallas have also begun training for the year.

Each division - under 7s, 9s, 11s, 13s, 15s and 17s - has coaches and have begun training on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 5.30pm.

Any juniors interested in playing rugby are encouraged to go along on the training days to check it out. They can also register at training.

The Platypi’s first trial game of the season will be in Forbes this Saturday against the Geurie Colts.

They will then play in the Brad Ridley Memorial Shield against Condobolin in a couple of weeks, which will also be in Forbes.