RECENTLY retired Dave Allan is focusing all his energy on turning the South Dorset Giants into South West Conference title challengers.

The Weymouth Rugby Club stalwart sustained a serious neck injury earlier this year and has since been advised to hang up his boots.

Although disappointed to be confined to the sidelines, the Giants’ co-founder is determined to lead his side to glory as they embark on a third campaign in Rugby league.

Allan said: “I injured my neck training for Weymouth last January and I have been advised not to continue playing contact sports so all my efforts, together with Anthony Cowburn’s, will be geared toward making the Giants one of the premier teams in the South West.”

The Giants kick-off the new term with a clash against South Somerset Warriors at Bridport’s Brewery Ground tomorrow night (6.45pm).

After losing every game in their debut season, South Dorset narrowly missed out on the play-offs last year, despite beating champions Devon Sharks 44-42.

This summer, the Giants boast new faces in the form of Idris Croft and Tyler Adams.

Anyone else interested in playing for the Giants, or finding out more information about the club, can visit southdorsetgiants.co.uk or contact Allan on dave@southdorsetgiants.co.uk