SAM HOCKING is likely to be the only new face on show when Plymouth Albion return to pre-season training this weekend.

The Championship club only expect around a dozen players to report back this week, with the remaining players gradually joining the group over the coming weeks.

"Some players have been playing all through May and so they need a longer break," said chairman of rugby Graham Dawe.

"A few others are away and some are working.

"But we just want to get as many people back as soon as we can and do some hard work with them.

"This time of the year is about getting up to speed condition-wise.

"We'll get people back and give them specific weight programmes and develop their aerobic base over the next three or so week."

Hocking, who had a month on loan at Albion in January, is expected to join the Brickfields club for pre-season training, even though he has not yet officially completed his move from Launceston.

The back-row forward is keen to try his luck at Albion permanently after enjoying his short spell there last season, even though he did not get to make a start.

But it is unlikely there will be any other new faces training with the club in the first few days.

Aaron Carpenter, who is set to join Albion providing he is granted a work permit and visa, is, like lock Tyler Hotson, currently on international duty with Canada, while the club are still talking to other possible new arrivals.

Albion are known to have re-signed 13 members of last season's squad but they are still missing cover at hooker and on the wing.

Meanwhile, the club expect to announce their pre-season games in the next couple of days.

They are due to play two first-team warm-up matches on August 14 at home and away on August 21, with their development side playing at home on August 22.

The Championship season will start on August 28.

Last season Albion played their British & Irish Cup opponents Newport in pre-season but it is unlikely they will play them again this season as the Welsh side have announced they are playing Launceston at Polson Bridge on August 21.

Newport are expected to be in Albion's pool again for the 2010/11 British & Irish Cup, but this time the game is due to be played at Brickfields rather than Rodney Parade.

Albion had three home matches in the last season, but it is believed they will only have two this coming season.