REGIONAL league rugby in England kicks off this weekend boosted by a major sponsorship agreement between the Rugby Football Union and Powergen.

Powergen already sponsors four national cup competitions and has now also agreed to support the top 12 divisional leagues across the country.

The Powergen deal is the first sponsorship deal at this level since the RFU's agreement with brewers Courage expired five years ago.

Evesham earned a confidence boosting friendly win in their opening contest after receiving news that they would remain in Midlands Two West despite finishing in the bottom two last term.

They will again come up against Pershore who entertain Old Yardleians in an opening warm-up game on Saturday.

Piddle park is again the venue seven days later when Pershore face Nuneaton OEs in the opening league encounter.

Stratford missed out on a place in the first round of a competition supported by Powergen when losing 27-10 at home to Syston in a Powergen Senior Cup qualifying tie last Saturday.