One of Carlisle's sporting institutions will take a major step forward in the fightback from the floods tomorrow.

An event launching the new season will be held at Carlisle Rugby Club - marking both its progress and the ongoing battle back for Warwick Road.

There will be a series of matches as well as live music and a disco.

The club was among the higher-profile victims of the disaster that unfolded in December, become swamped in filthy floodwater, like a huge stretch of Warwick Road.

David Morton, club secretary, said: "Folks are anxious to know where we are and where we are heading to with the repair and redevelopment work at Warwick Road.

"Pitches are up and running and already in use for training and coaching.


David Morton "The changing rooms are in use, although some of the space has been given over to temporary bar facilities.

"Additionally, work is in progress to make provision for limited bar and hospitality facilities in what was the lounge bar and the extension that opens out onto the patio area.

"We are still negotiating a final settlement with the insurers and, frustrating though it may be, we want to ensure that we get the maximum mony we can."

The new season starts in full on Saturday, September 3.

But a series of matches will be held tomorrow, with Carlisle Ladies versus Kendal Ladies, Carlisle Colts playing Penrith Colts and veterans matches involving Carlisle, Creighton and Workington.

The long-term plan is for the clubhouse to be based where the grandstand currently is on the site.

A range of sports clubs could also be run from the grounds of the club, with tennis, squash and American football using the revamped set-up.

The rugby club is in discussion with Sport England and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), which governs English Rugby.

Mr Morton said: "There is a meeting with RFU representatives to discuss, among other things, funding for replacement field drains and the need to reset the fields after the drains are replaced.

"We hope that we can put plans in place to enable such work to start once the final home game of the 2016/2017 season is over."

Gates and bars for tomorrow's event open at 12noon.

Tickets are limited. Go to: carlislerugbyevents@hotmail.com.