MALVERN kick-off the new rugby season with a practice game against National League side Reading at Spring Lane on Sunday (3pm).

The game will give an opportunity for the players to put their summer training into practice, utilising both seasoned campaigners and new signings.

Reading are coached by ex-Malvern player Andy Cushing, a lecturer at University College Worcester, and led by Director of Rugby Alistair McHarg, whose distinguished career saw him play for London Scottish, Scotland and the British Lions.

Having struggled to beat Malvern by the narrowest of margins at the end of last season, the Berkshire side know Malvern will be a stern test.

Meanwhile, the Spring Lane club is looking forward to the meeting with relish.

David Robins, Director of Rugby, said: "With an even more intense league campaign ahead of us, it is important that we are at our sharpest for the first match against Newport on September 2.

"Playing a side such as Reading will stretch players to the limit and help bring them to full match fitness."

Competition will be fierce in many positions within the first team squad, especially among the forwards. The arrival of Duncan Short, from Camp Hill, has strengthened the pool of lock forwards, with the inspirational seasoned campaigner Vince Hill declaring himself ready for another season.

Jon Owen is fast becoming the club's most dedicated trainer and he, Chris Smith and the emerging Matt Williams are all in the frame. Robins though isn't worried about the number of players competing for places.

"With 22 league matches, there are bound to be injuries and non-availabilities," Robins said. "All our first and second XV players know that they are playing for places in the senior squad. We need the cover, not just in the forwards."

The imminent arrival of Danish international winger Bo Kristopheson in September also gives more bite to the incisive Malvern back division, while the situation in the front row looks to be improving. Having lost promising prop Mike Boardman due to a job move, the news that veteran Kim Withnall has successfully come through a neck operation has buoyed the pack.

Darren Handy has recovered from a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for most of last season, so competition at hooker with Dave Irish will be fierce.

Malvern entertain London Division Two side Hampstead on Saturday, August 26, before the league opener with fearsome forward-dominated Newport a week later.

Squad: T. Allies, D. Irish, S. Cooper, D. Short, P. Hart, A. Thomas, M. Gaubert, D. Sparrey, S. Phillips, B. Hughes, M. Humphries, G. Richards, D. Beech, A. Longley, K. Withnell, V. Hill, J. Callow, D. Hill, R. Young, M. Williams, J. Owen, D. Carmichael, D. Handy, M. Etty, N. Bruton, S. Taylor, M. Johnson, M. Moaby.