Torquay's first friendly, playing the opening 45 minutes in a 3–0 defeat of the Royal Marines on 20 July 2012. The goalkeeper was then introduced as a half-time substitute in United's 2–0 victory over Tiverton Town on 24 July. Rice also played the second 45 minutes of Torquay's 2–1 loss to Leeds United on 27 July. Four days later Rice returned to St James Park for a 3–3 draw with Exeter City in which he played the full ninety minutes. Once more beginning the league campaign on the bench, Rice made his first appearance of the 2012–13 season in a 1–1 development game draw with Nike Football Academy on 4 September 2012. On 19 September, Rice played in another development game, a 2–1 win over AFC Bournemouth. Rice finally made his first league start for the first-team since rejoining Torquay in a 1–0 loss at Barnet on 6 November 2012, replacing the injured Michael Poke in the second half. With Poke still injured, Rice made his first ever Football League start and first league start since rejoining Torquay in a 0–0 draw with Oxford United; having made several crucial saves to preserve his team's clean sheet, Ling said the goalkeeper "came through [the game] with flying colours and made some great saves. He can be very proud of himself." Rice retained his place in the starting line-up for the visit of Southend United on 17 November, but following a 4–1 home defeat, he lost his place to the fit-again Poke. Rice saved a penalty in United's 3–0 shoot-out win over Liverton United in the Devon Bowl on 4 December 2012; he had earlier been booked and conceded a penalty. He replaced Michael Poke early in the 3–1 defeat to Bradford City on 1 April 2013 after Poke suffered a rib injury. Rice subsequently played the entirety of Torquay's 1–0 loss at Gillingham on 6 April 2013. Despite not featuring again in United's fight against relegation, on 9 May 2013 the club confirmed that Rice was one of seven players to be offered a new deal at the end of the season. On 24 May, Rice agreed a new contract to keep him at Plainmoor for the 2013–14 season. 2013–14 Although new manager Alan Knill also appeared to prefer Poke as the club's first choice goalkeeper, Poke picked up an injury early in pre-season and Rice therefore played in all of