Two popular South African players are preparing to make an impact at Aspatria again.

Jacques Rowe and Heini Jonker have both been training at Bower Park as the build-up starts to the North Lancs Cumbria League season in September.

Flanker Rowe is back living in the Penrith area after returning to South Africa four years ago.

Half-back Jonker, who like Rowe married a local girl, has been recovering from a serious back injury he picked up in his last season two years ago.

Mark Richardson, Aspatria’s director of rugby, is excited about their return.

“When Jacques first joined the club, I watched him train for the first time and remember saying to Mike Scott that he was going to be somebody special – and he certainly was," Richardson said.

“He was an excellent player for Aspatria in his time at the club and, although it’s about five years since he was here, looks in good shape.

“Heini was having back problems in his last season and subsequently has had an operation which I believe lasted about eight hours.

“He feels ready to go again and it’s good to see him back training.”

The Aspatria squad has been back training for a fortnight with good turn-outs.

“There have been one or two interesting arrivals, although a couple have trained with us but haven’t actually put pen to paper," said Richardson.

“Matthew Atkinson has taken on the captaincy after Andrew Miller stood down. He had done the job for the last five years."

It’s quite a high-key start to the new season as the Black Reds face a trip to local rivals Wigton on September 2. The first home game the following week is against Bolton.

Before then, Aspatria have three pre-season friendlies lined-up against Egremont and Penrith at home and a Fylde XV away.