Malvern RFC Head Coach Liam Hughes has added to his squad in what has been an extremely busy pre-season for the club. Two former players return, ex-captain Ryan Watkins from Old Halesonians and Richard Hobbs after a spell at Worcester Wanderers. Watkins, who works at Malvern College, will provide proven strength to a solid-looking midfield when school duties allow, whilst Hobbs gives more cover to an impressive back row. In line with Malvern’s policy of developing young players, they welcome Adam Gwillam who plays at openside flanker and who has been at National Two side Lydney. He is joined by Chris Oliver, who joins from Droitwich and who has been attracted by Malvern’s well-structured player development policy which is applied to all levels of young talent to enable a step up to a higher standard of rugby. Also signed is David Wrighton, who last season skippered Lancaster University at loose head prop, another exciting prospect.
Hughes said “The back-up team has also been boosted with Amie Dennis joining as physiotherapist to work with Jenny Carter. Amie will be covering Jenny’s first XV duties when necessary but will mainly be assisting Development Squad player/manager Marc Gaubert. This represents a major step forward in the way that we treat players and emphasises the importance we place on the Development Squad. I am delighted at the enthusiasm of the lads at the pre-season training sessions, where we have had record attendances despite holidays. Our player coaches Ben Gerry and Adam Billig have devised several new routines and we are putting in place individual development programmes for players to maximise their potential. The squad has bought into the whole ethos extremely well and I feel that we are better prepared for the season than in previous years.”
With the league again expected to be competitive, despite the overwhelming odds on cash-rich Rugby Lions to dominate, Malvern’s preparations should see them in the mix at the right end of the table.
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