WHILE many clubs across the country are suffering from a lack of players, Malvern are doing their best to reverse the trend, as they have seen an upsurge in active players this season.

From being in a position of sometimes not being able to put out a second XV last season, the Spring Lane outfit are now fulfilling fixtures from first to third team.

This is in part due to players making themselves more available but mainly because of the hard work put in by Rob Harker, backed by chairman John Holden, who still plays.

Harker explained: “It’s a hard job. You’ve got to harry and badger people all week to commit to playing.

“While we still get let down by the odd player each week, the team spirit has built so well that players now push each other to play.”

While the youth and mini game is as strong as ever across England, the senior game has suffered in recent years.

“It’s a combination of many things,” said director of rugby Dave Irish.

“From alternative sports being available to changing work patterns to the couch potato syndrome brought on by gaming and Premiership rugby on the TV.

“It is something which all sports clubs suffer from and at Malvern we do our best to counter these trends by offering enjoyable training sessions, adventurous rugby and a great social scene after the match.

“If anyone in the area wants to sample life at Malvern, then they should come down on a match day or training night.

“There aren’t many clubs who can offer sessions led by a former Great Britain rugby league international (Billy McGinty) and with a current premiership full-back (Rob Cook) leading colts training.”

Anyone interested in taking up or coming back to rugby at whatever level can find more details on the club website at pitchero.com/clubs/malvernrfc.