CLEOBURY Mortimer RFC have announced plans for the forthcoming Midlands 3 West (North) season with one eye very much on the future.

With the new campaign just over a month away the club has formed a new Colts XV.

Chairman David Hinves said the return of Roddy Yapp to the club he last coached in the mid 1990s has sparked ‘significant enthusiasm and renewed optimism'.

He said: “A number of colt players from other clubs have joined that will see the formation of a competitive and strong new Colts XV for next season.

“They will be playing their rugby on a Sunday afternoon and their arrival means the chance for local lads to play rugby on their doorstep.

“They will be competing in the top division of the North Midlands Colts League against the likes of Luctonians, Hereford and Malvern and will also be in the North Midlands Colts Cup competition. They have already brought silverware to the club by winning the Telford Colts 7s tournament a few weeks ago.”

Hinves said the new venture had already had a hugely positive effect with new kit sponsorship, new clothing ordered and a good number of players attending pre-season training, even at this early stage.

“It is expected that there will be keen competition for places and the knock-on effect will be a larger player group seeking games and the intention is a higher demand for regular 2nd XV matches.”

Training is held regularly every Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm during the summer throughout August, on the grass outside Cleobury Mortimer Sports & Social Club. Anyone who would like to join in the fun, get fit, return to the sport or try a new sport, is welcome to attend.