DIRECTOR of rugby Adam Drew says he is under no illusions how tough life will be for newly-promoted Droitwich in Midlands One West this term.

Droitwich kick off their 2018-19 campaign with a trip to Whitchurch on Saturday (3pm) before looking forward to a tantalising home clash with neighbours Bromsgrove a week on Friday (7.30pm).

Drew admits it is “the best time of the club’s life” having gained promotion from winning Midlands Two West (South) and playing in a cup final at Twickenham for the second successive year in May.

But Drew is not expecting a smooth ride in the sixth tier of English rugby as his players adapt to the level.

“We are with the big boys now,” Drew said.

“Droitwich have never been in this league before and I could not have dreamt to be in this position when I took over two years ago.

“I have been around the club for 17 or 18 years and this is probably the best time of its life at the moment.

“A lot of credit goes to Pete Knight who is one of the main coaches here but it is down to numerous people.”

Droitwich, who lost just once in the league last season, have strengthened their squad with the signing of utility back Chris Hooper from rivals Bromsgrove.

“You may think that the better you get the happier the ship would be,” Drew continued.

“But that’s not always the case.

“Some players start to doubt whether they can cope in a bigger league so you have got to nurse those guys through.

“But I think we have managed things well.

“We haven’t lost any momentum and the attitude from the players and level of coaching has been great.

“But we are under no illusions as to how tough it is going to be this year. We have got to take every game as it comes.

“We know we are not going to win them all but we have got to produce our best and see where we end up.”

As well as clashes against Bromsgrove, Droitwich will also face Worcestershire sides Worcester and Malvern this season.

But the side’s first test will be a visit to Whitchurch who they defeated in the Midlands Intermediate Cup in the 2017-18 campaign.

“Whitchurch are a very good team and coached very well by Scott Sturdy who used to coach at Droitwich and is a lovely bloke,” Drew added.

“We won’t be taking them lightly.”