MALVERN Rugby Club open their Midlands Division One campaign with five of the hardest possible fixtures next season.

They start away to Old Dunstablians on September 8, who were promoted from the eastern area with an unbeaten record.

Director of Rugby David Robins said: "They have multi-million pound backing and their stated aim is National League rugby. To this end they pay their players, many of whom are ex-Bedford and Northampton squad members, and they also have several southern hemisphere men in the side.

"We then face Hereford at home, Leicester Lions (who narrowly missed promotion last term) away, Luctonians at home, then Walsall, relegated from National Three, away."

This will be a severe test for Malvern, who remain strictly amateur and who will have much the same squad as last season.

Although Robins said: I am busy trying to recruit, especially those positions where we need cover, but the lure of money is a major stumbling block. We want players who will commit to Malvern with no mercenary intent.

"As a small town club we just cannot raise the sponsorship and other revenue to go semi-pro, and our players themselves wish to remain amateur, something which has given us such wonderful spirit and determination over the last five years.

"We welcome any player who wishes to improve his standard of rugby and enjoy the superb facilities at Spring Lane. New recruits should come to training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where they will be sure of a warm welcome."