Momentum builds for Malvern's new season
Aug
Andy Longley, Malvern RFC’s Director of Rugby, is pleased with the momentum gathering within the club ahead of the new season. “We have had an extremely positive response to the close season training programme headed by Mike Ruddock, former Wales and Worcester Warriors chief. Mike’s experience and positive approach has enthused the players, added to which we have now been joined by Adam Billig as player/coach with responsibility for the backs. Adam’s Premiership rugby pedigree at Leicester Tigers and at Bristol is already proving to be inspirational as he settles in at Spring Lane. We had a very productive training match against Old Halesonians last week. This followed a first ever Club trial the previous week which enabled us to look at many existing players as well as many of the new signings who have been drawn to Spring Lane as they have heard of the positive mood generated by our fortune in having Mike and Adam on the strength. As a result of all the hard work of the players and coaches, we have been able to form a First team squad plus a development group on the basis of the pre-season efforts, which will now be tested under full match conditions.” Longley is also delighted by the fact that Worcester Warriors stars Andy Williams and Neil Best have agreed to attach themselves to Malvern in a coaching capacity.
This Saturday we travel to Newton Abbot in Devon to play a side from the equivalent level in the South West Division where we will be fielding the nucleus of our league squad, whilst we are also taking a second XV select, many of whom have the potential to grow towards first team contention in the future. With a blend of local Malvern talent, plus some new signings from the South Worcestershire hinterland, we are poised to improve greatly on the last two seasons. With Phil Rawle’s inspirational on-field leadership, supported by Adam’s marshalling of the backs, we look forward to opening our league fixture at home to old friends and rivals Burton on Trent on Saturday 4th September to kick start our campaign in earnest”.
