Plans for a new Lancaster Rugby Club are pressing ahead, with an official application for a place in the 2003 Rugby League Summer Conference.

Following a meeting of current and applicant teams in Salford before the Superleague Grand Final, it was confirmed that, should the application be successful, Lancaster will play in the north-west regional league.

Should Lancaster make it through to the play-offs, they will face teams from across England and Wales.

The club is now planning an open day to give supporters more details of what the club is planning.

It takes place on Sunday, November 3, at the Dolly Blue Tavern, next to Lancaster City FC's Giant Axe ground, and treasurer Richard de la Riviere said: "It will be a great opportunity for players and supporters to meet each other and join the club.

"We hope to keep the meeting as informal as possible, and follow it up with training sessions in the future."

The meeting, which starts at 1pm, will be followed by the Wales vs New Zealand match on the big screen at 2pm.

All are welcome to attend the meeting or the televised game, regardless of skills or experience.

There will also be an opportunity to buy tickets for the first Great Britain vs New Zealand test, which takes place at Blackburn next Saturday (November 9).

Club chairman John Thomason added: "Off the pitch the committee has been working hard to ensure the club meets the requirements of the Conference.

"It is now time to concentrate on the hard work on the field and build a team capable of making a good first impression.

There are applicants from, among others, Liverpool and Carlisle, both of which will ensure that the north west division will be very competitive indeed."

Anyone wanting more information can call John on 01524 33354 or 0772 002 8965.