SIMON Houghton, the former Great Britain player, will make will make his rugby union debut with Orrell today (Sunday) when the Lancashire club launches its bid to win promotion to the Zurich Premiership at the first attempt.

The Wigan Warrior, who will be joined later by Gary Connelly, will team up with an exciting backline for the match against Rugby Lions at the JJB Stadium.

The game against Rugby Lions will be staged at a ground familiar to Houghton, the JJB Stadium.

Orrell will use the ground today while work goes on to prepare Edge Hall Road their traditional home following the recent fire that destroyed the clubhouse.

There is no doubt that Orrell, who won National Two last season, will now be challenging for the National One title this time.

They have joined sides like Rotherham and Worcester in going fully professional and that will give them a clear advantage over many sides.

Aussie coach Ross Reynolds has assembled a squad that looks capable of at least a top four finish, including Kris Fullman, from Leeds, and former Welsh international Andy Moore.

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