INVITATIONS have gone out to all former players of the Malvern Rugby Club's Stags youth rugby team giving details of a new development venture.

This is being launched at the Spring Lane club to give all U18 players in the district the chance to progress to the high echelons of the club.

Over the next seven days, former Stags players who have now graduated to senior player status, will be contacted by Vince Hill, the Malvern 1st XV club skipper inviting the youngsters to take part in pre-season training sessions under the watchful eye of new club coach Andy Cushing.

Chairman of Youth Rugby Gary Tolley said: "Being closely associated with the former members of the 'Stags' squad since they were 12 years old, I do hope that they will consider to carry-on playing for Malvern as senior players.

"The players certainly have the ability and skill base to strive for places in the upper echelons of the club and compete at the senior level as Dan Kay, Alistair Hills and Andy Burns ably proved last season."

Earlier this month, the Malvern club put together an improved infrastructure that will offer all U18 and U19 players the chance to play a standard of rugby that is just one level below National League status.

There is also an opportunity for the youngsters to link-up with the more seasoned ex-1st XV campaigners, who will be competing for honours in a new regional merit league involving 1st XV sides from neighbouring North Midland clubs.

Training for all senior players is now in full swing at Spring Lane on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings at 7pm with all playing members being encouraged to start the honing process for the new season.

The former Stags players will be notified by post, but other ambitious U18 and U19 rugby players can obtain further details from the Director of Rugby, David Robins on 01684 560247 or Malvern Rugby Club on 01684 573728.