LACK of power up front has been identified as one of Malvern RFC's weaknesses last season, prompting moves by the club to beef it up.

Director of rugby David Robins, who is seeking an immediate return to Midlands One, has unveiled several new signings and has been boosted by the return of players from injury.

"The major reason we didn't figure in the promotion stakes last year was due to a lack of firepower up front," he said, "We gave away several pounds per man in the pack and lacked penetration in the back row.

"The lads who played through the campaign gave their best, but in today's game, certainly at our level, you need big, athletic back row players and plenty of beef in the front five."

Robins has lost the services of Nick Smith, who is trialling at Pertemps Bees, but James Hinds, a second row previously with Moseley, has joined the squad.

Another arrival is ex-Worcester player Tom Davies, who has had some experience of the French game before his return to the area.

Chris Ott from Swansea University has joined to play in the centre or as a full-back and Malvern also welcomes back the pace of Rob Young on the wing, following his year with Austin, the premier team in south-west USA.

Other returns are tight-head prop Shaun Lancett, after a year out with cruciate damage, and big hitting Alex Thomas, sidelined for most of last year due to work commitments.

Another boost is the return of stand-off Paul Jenkin, who has recovered from a serious finger injury.

Robins said the new campaign promised to be a tough one: "Newcomers Old Coventrians and Burton have brought fine reputations with them, whilst Aston Old Edwardians took the honours over three games last season.

"I'm under no illusions about the task we face but with such a great squad spirit - over 50 at regular training sessions already - and the strength to dominate up front, our coaches have plenty of firepower to work with."