MINEHEAD Barbarians are hoping their new head coach will be in place before their opening rugby match away to Burnham on Sea in Counties Two Somerset on Saturday, September 6.

New Zealander Isaiah Graham-Hooper was appointed some time ago but his arrival has been delayed because of problems over his visa.

A club spokesman said: "Isaiah wanted to come over earlier but sorting out his visa has taken some time. It seems to have taken ages. Hopefully he will be with us before our first match."

Graham-Hooper takes over from Mick Orton who stepped down at the end of last season saying 'it's time for a younger man to come in and take the reins and build on what we have achieved." Orton was in his second spell in the job and had been head coach for a total of nine seasons.

The Barbarians ended last season in fourth place, their last match being called off because Backwell 2nd XI could not raise a side. The Babas finished only a point behind third-placed Avon.

Midsomer Norton were the outstanding side in the division, winning 21 of their 22 matches and finishing 26 points clear of second-placed Clevedon.

Like many sides last season, Minehead struggled to field full-strength teams for away matches.

Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV also play their first fixture of the season on Saturday, September 6, at home against their Yeovil counterparts in Counties Four Somerset South.

Opening fixtures, Counties Two Somerset: Avon v Chew Valley, Burnham on Sea v Minehead Barbarians, Clevedon v Hornets, Imperial v Oldfield Old Boys, Rebels Rugby v St Bernadettes, Castle Cary v Keynsham.

Counties Four Somerset South: Minehead Barbarians II v Yeovil 11, Morganians v Burnham on Sea II, North Petherton III v Tor II, Somerton v Hornets IV, Wells II v Weston super Mare III, Wincanton v Bridgwater & Albion III.