BROMSGROVE RFC have stepped up their preparations for next season's Midlands Two West campaign, with some reshuffling to their coaching team.

Fly-half Duncan Roke, who played a pivotal part in the Boars escaping relegation last season, will combine playing duties with a new role as the club's backs coach.

England Colts front row forward Mark Cornelius will take on a specialist scrummage role and former club captain Chris Hargreaves becomes second team coach.

Head coach Ross Baxter believes the new set-up can turn his side into top three challengers next season.

He said: "The team developed extremely well in the second half of last season and we aim to challenge for a top three spot next season.

"We have an enviable record of developing young players through the youth section, taking them through to first XV on a competitive regional basis and then on to the highest levels.

"We have also worked well with other local junior clubs to provide top quality coaching for their best performers and allow them to realise their full potential within the first XV or as a stepping stone on to the national leagues."

Bromsgrove kick off their pre-season training on next Tuesday (July 1) at 7.15pm, and every Tuesday and Thursday then on.

Players looking to realise the opportunity to play at a higher level or start playing again are welcome.

They will receive top quality coaching at Finstall Park, which boasts two floodlit pitches, fully equipped free weights gym and physiotherapy centre.

The club have worked hard in the off season to maintain their exciting young squad, which finished the second half of the season as the form team in the league with wins against all of the top six sides.

In support of this, the club will run an under-21 squad under North Midlands RFU county coach John Blackhall.

The team will play a series of high profile fixtures over the season against regional level opposition and represent the club on the sevens circuit at the end of the season both home and abroad.

Blackhall said: "The under-21s will provide a focus for county rugby players to develop their experience against teams that they would not ordinarily face at their club level.

"On the team's return from their three week Australia tour, the players will train within the senior club structure supporting both locally employed players and those who are away at university."

Further information on the club can be found at www.bromsgroverfc.co.uk.