MALVERN Rugby Club start their pre-season campaign in earnest with a home training game against Burton on Saturday.

David Robins, Malvern’s director of rugby, has high hopes for a successful campaign in Midlands One for his newly-promoted team.

He said: “We know that the pace and intensity of the matches will be far greater than in Midlands Two.

“However, we have boosted the squad with some excellent signings in the close season, many of whom have come from National League rugby, so we should be well equipped for the new campaign.

“We go to Weston-super-Mare on August 23 to meet a side well established in the equivalent south-west league.

“Then we have a home match against Risca, who play in Division Four of the Welsh League, and a final warm-up on September 6 at Cheltenham.

“Our league campaign opens at home to Luctonians, who were runners-up last year, so will give us a marker against which to measure our capabilities.

“We look to field a strong second XV squad as well, and they have games against Brecon and Cheltenham in the run up to the season.

“With the first XV, we want to establish ourselves in the league and hope to achieve a top half position. There is a real buzz of excitement around the club these days.”

n Worcester Wanderers’ pre-season preparations gathered momentum when they held a team-building weekend at their Weston’s Farm complex. Despite the weather conditions, 25 players enjoyed a series of team-building games, skills sessions and team runs organised by coaches James Price and Steve Lloyd over the two days.

Wanderers are set to continue their pre-season preparations with a game against Avonmouth Old Boys, from Bristol, this weekend at Weston’s Farm, kick off 3pm.