Oxford Harlequins face arguably their toughest season in South West 1 when the league kicks off on Saturday.

Quins showed plenty of promise last year and were the only side to defeat champions Chinnor, but they still finished just two points above the relegation zone.

They will begin the campaign with what looks to be a weaker squad than in 2007/08 and director of rugby Matt Maudsley remains realistic.

"Our aim is survival with the squad we have got," said Maudsley.

"But by November we should be very strong."

The list of players who have left includes Beau Wilson, Mark Preston, Pete Davies, Dave Payne, Paddy Soper, Phil Rowe and Frank Jones.

But Quins will soon have two more southern hemisphere reinforcements in the shape of South African No 8 Warren Du Plooy and Kiwi lock John Fahey.

Maudsley added: "We have also got Steve Hill (Oxford University director of rugby) helping out with our forwards and defence.

"Hopefully that will get a few Blues to join us, like Anthony Jackson.

"I'm still negotiating with other players."

Last year's captain and scrum half Anthony Cope stays put after having trials with Newbury over the summer, while prop James Eckert is still considering whether to join Chinnor.

IN: Ben Nicholl (utility player, Grove), Nick Sevier (full back, Grove), Nick Hayes (scrum half, Richmond), Ralph Jones (scrum half, Oxford juniors), David Lett (centre, Marist, New Zealand), Ed Davies (flanker, Henley Alliance), Mark Forth (flanker, Henley Alliance), Warren Du Plooy (No 8, Union Bull Dogs, South Africa), John Fahey (lock, Dunedin, New Zealand).

OUT: Beau Wilson (centre, Australia), Mark Preston (fly half/full back, Australia), Pete Davies (wing, Henley Hawks), Dave Payne (lock, Canada), Paddy Soper (back row, Australia), Phil Rowe (flanker, Ireland), Frank Jones (fly half, Ireland).

ONE TO WATCH: Nick Sevier.

LAST SEASON: 7th.

PREDICTION: Survival.