A September which saw a cluster of teams go four from four is now in the past as pacesetters across National One and Two collide on an intriguing weekend.
TRU is helping to produce a series of articles designed to explore the different elements which come together to make levels three and four the heartbeat of quality rugby.
The mood ahead of the start of the National League Rugby season was one of anticipation and Round One certainly delivered some eye-catching results and performances.
National One newcomers Hull and Esher get their 2022/23 campaigns underway at Bishop's Stortford and Rams RFC respectively when the season kicks off on September 3rd.
The curtain came down on the playing career of the multiple European Cup winner last weekend and coaching might be a route which O'Brien selects for the next stage of his life.