Ruddock’s masterclass for Malvern

9:07am Saturday 5th July 2008

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MALVERN Rugby Club's squad were treated to a 90-minute session with Worcester Warriors boss Mike Ruddock as they started their pre-season training in style.

The session was full and varied, with the emphasis on moving the ball and communication, and the players all agreed that it was of great benefit.

Dave Robins, Malvern's director of rugby, said the players enjoyed the session and also revealed a couple of other new additions.

He said: "It was a great bonus to have a top coach with international experience at Spring Lane.

"The lads all came off the field totally enthused.

"Dave Hadkiss, who we know from his Worcester University days as a combative scrum half, joins us having had a spell at Stourbridge.

"Loose head prop Dan Chesham, formerly at Malvern before spells with Dudley Kingswinford and Bromsgrove, makes a return to Spring Lane, and we look forward to seeing him and James Thomas as new cornerstones of the scrum. Carl Robinson, who plays in the centre, has also joined from Stourbridge, whilst we continue our connection with the King's School.

"Three former King's first XV players have signed, Don Wood, a flanker, and two backs, James Bennett and Vaughan Thomas. "We benefited greatly last year through this connection, when our squad was bolstered by some fine gap year students, and we look forward to helping in the development of more young talent."

Malvern kick-off their Midlands One campaign at Spring Lane against Luctonians on Saturday, September 13.