IAN Seymour, Lydney RFC's new director of coaching, will be closely examining the attributes of a number of promising local rugby players as he puts together his squad for another exciting Jewson League season.
A week on Sunday and Lydney begin their campaign with a mouthwatering home fixture against Blackheath. It will be a big test as Seymour has to mould together a new back row.
"We have the basis of last season's team – the same front five and the same threequarters and they are being pressed by some very promising younger players," said Seymour.
With a number of players on their travels and an unusually large number still recovering from injuries, Seymour will be looking closely at the claims being made by younger club members.
"We are the town club and we represent the area in a challenging league. The aim is to play some entertaining rugby and to finish as near to the top of the the league as we can," he said.
Among the missing players will be scrum-half Richard Turner who will only be occasionally available before Christmas. His place is taken by former Cheltenham scrum-half Ross Harper.
The club is also hoping to sign Mike Powell, a local lock who played for Caldicot last season, and Mike Boys, the former Ebbw Vale and Newbridge outside-half.
Both have been training at Regentsholme and will give added strength to the squad.
Seymour gave as many players as possible the opportunity to work out against Caerphilly last Saturday and is planning to field a strong squad against Worcester in a full scale trial match at Regentsholme this Saturday.(kick-off 3pm). By then most of the senior squad players will have returned from holidays.
"You can always tell the most experienced players – they always go on holiday for trials. Nick Nelmes and Julian Davis are two of them but they have trained really well. I've found the best way to stop 'em talking – work 'em a bit harder," he joked.
Club captain Nick Bartlett is likely to miss the first game. The Royal Navy player broke his leg while training with the field gun team but is now training hard.
A boost has been the return of prop Andrew Jarrett who was not expected back from an extended holiday in Australia until after Christmas but who flew in last week.
•England's top international referee Ed Morrison will be at Regentsholme this Thursday to explain law changes to the team.
Morrison was invited to attend a coaching session when he met Lydney coach Ian Seymour at a Jewson League discussion evening at Weston.
"Ed willingly agreed to come and talk to the players. If anyone would like to come along and watch the session they will be most welcome," said Ian.
Morrison's last international was the big clash between South Africa and the All Blacks a week ago.
•Season tickets will go on sale at Regentsholme on Saturday.
By becoming a club member (cost £5.00) an entrance ticket for every home game is reduced by a £1.00 to £5.00.