They compete in an Anglo/Scottish tournament in Liverpool which attracts some of the best sides from north and south of the border.
Despite finishing bottom of Division One last season Riga have maintained their top flight status thanks to a restructuring of the league.
An American football style conference system has been introduced, expanding Division One to 12 teams.
"In recent years no other side, has won three games and- then suffered relegation" said Riga~, captain Tom Young. "But that, would have been our fate without t he changes, and it would have been harsh especially as one of our victories was against the team that finished 4th. We've been given a second chance, and we're going to take it!" .
In their. conference, Riga are matched with Wessex - 3rd last year, Whitefield - who beat the Warwick side in a crucial last match, and Solent - who are the new season's first opponents when they visit St Nicholas Park next Saturday, September 16(6pm).
The squad has been strengthened by the addition of former England international Mike Percival who returns to volleyball after an absence due to work commitments. Also signed up is Simeon Nex, from Div Two club Radio Trent Rockets. Richard Meade, who departed on a world trip in mid-season last year, will be warmly welcomed back, and a fourth new player is ex-RAF Harrier, Phil Leach - whose left handed skills will compensate for the loss of England junior Pete Abraham who has left the area and will figure for promoted Sheffield in Div One.
Riga-did well in last year's Anglo/Scottish event. "We surprised a few sides" said Young, "and I'm sure we'll do it again."
