Malvern RFC kick off on Saturday with a fixture against Cheltenham from South West Division One.

Formerly one of England's top club sides, their fortunes have waned in recent years, but they will still provide stiff opposition for a Malvern side depleted by injuries and holidays.

The Spring Lane club welcomes several new faces this season. Simon Reiter, a New Zealand schools international wing forward, is spending a year working at Malvern College, while stand-off Rees Williams has moved to the area from Wales. Close ties with University College, Worcester, have resulted in Andrew Isaac, a centre/full back, scrum half Sam Hardcastle and second row Steve Ironside joining the club.

Returning is Chris Smith, now living in Malvern after a season at Camp Hill, while talented utility player Dave Hill is also back. Nick Coulthard, a full back who played for the Worcester Development side a few years ago, has also joined the squad.

Having won the Droitwich 10s for the second season running, the Malvern squad are in upbeat mood and looking forward to the Powergen Cup qualifier against Laurentians at Spring Lane on August 31.