UPTON RFC will start its next campaign with a new head coach, Nat Kelsey.

Mr Kelsey takes the place of Ron Hobbs, who is standing down due to work commitments.

A coach in the youth section at Worcester RFC, a job he intends to continue with, he said he did not hesitate when approached.

"I know some parents at Worcester who play at Upton and say what a great club it is," he said, "You only have to look at their history to know they are a side with a good reputation. Having been in North Midlands One for so long is a credit to them because it is one of the hardest leagues to play in."

Kelsey, a former back row, played most of his rugby in the army and this influence can be seen in his no-nonsense approach.

"It's a simple game really, run forward and pass backwards," he said, "Upton has a good playing structure in place, so my role will be to try and improve skill levels while encouraging players to think as they play and attack the spaces".

Pre-season training has now started, with training on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm at Upton Rugby Club.

Anybody interested in joining the club should ring Oli Jones on 07881688464 or come down on a Tuesday.