PLAYERS have been turning up in force at Pershore Rugby Club for pre-season training led by new head coach Jon Critchlow.

More than 60 players took part at rugby sessions on Tuesday and Thursday last week and Critchlow’s arrival to coach the men’s senior contact sides at Pershore is being heralded as a new era for rugby in the town.

Chairman Anthony Perks said: “We are delighted Jon has chosen to join Pershore when so many other clubs regionally have been keen to secure his services.

“Players and officials at Pershore are very excited to be benefitting already from his inspirational and professional coaching.

"Jonathan’s arrival is already providing a major boost to rugby in Pershore.”

Critchlow, also an RFU community rugby coach, is offering players a varied and challenging programme of training.

He wants to develop individual and team core skills and fitness, strategic work and will be bringing in guest coaches to work with players on specialist skills and approaches.

Pershore are also carrying out a strong recruitment drive and offering the first three training sessions free for new players in the lead-up to the season in September.

Contact rugby sessions are open to all at Midlands Four West (South) club Pershore’s Wyre Piddle grounds on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 7pm.