MALVERN Rugby Club starts the season in earnest tomorrow (Saturday) with a pre-season training fixture against Coney Hill.

The Gloucester side come to Spring Lane for the first time in many years, having just pipped Malvern to the Droitwich Tens title by a single score.

Coney Hill play in the highly competitive South West Two League, the equivalent level to Malvern, and given the traditional keenness associated with Gloucester rugby.

Malvern director of rugby David Robins is expecting a strong test for his squad.

Robins said: "We are fortunate to arrange this fixture - rugby starts back earlier than ever these days and with so many people away on holiday it is difficult to get sides to commit.

"However, both sides see this as a sharpener for the forthcoming season and a chance to test some of the new and emerging players alongside the established squad members.

"We will be giving as many players as possible a run out on Saturday so that the coaching staff can get a clear idea of the make-up of the squad to open the league season against Leamington next Saturday (September 4).

"As I have said before, we are looking on this season as one of rebuilding and consolidation, but we will still aim for a high league position. The front runners are likely to be Broad Street, Hinckley and Stoke, but as we know from experience, this league can throw up some surprises - Barkers Butts, for instance, have come back to this level after their own period of rebuilding and Newbold are always a stern test.

"Whatever happens, we will still endeavour to play the 'Malvern Way', serving up attractive rugby for our loyal supporters and visitors alike."

Kick off on Saturday is 3pm.