FORMER Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourbridge forward Nick Tisdale has joined the coaching staff at Luctonians Rugby Club.

The 34-year-old from Cleobury Mortimer has been appointed as the Kingsland club's senior forwards' coach.

Tisdale has linked up with experienced senior squad coach Stewart Jardine, who has agreed to remain at the North Herefordshire outfit for another season despite the interest of several National League clubs.

Second-row forward Tisdale, who knows Jardine from their Stourbridge days, has recently had keyhole surgery on an injured knee and will be unable to play for the Midlands 1 side until the start of next year.

Chairman Dave Thomas said: "Nick will offer us a lot in a forwards capacity because he brings a wealth of experience. It's an important appointment because last season I felt that our forwards lacked a bit of experience in important situations."

He added: "We had been very keen to bring in Nick as a player-coach for the forwards but he needs further surgery on injured knee ligaments and we hope he will be able to play again in about January."

Charles Turner has been chosen as the new club captain following Will Crawforth's decision to stand down because of on-going work commitments.

Second-row forward Turner has previously held the position for a two-year stint and was a popular choice to regain the role at the club's well-attended annual general meeting.

Meanwhile, Luctonians and Pershore College are keen to work together in establishing a rugby academy for the Hereford-shire club.

However, Thomas added that the link was unlikely to be finalised for the start of the new season.

Officers elected: president, Colin Powell; chairman, Dave Thomas; vice-chairman, Simon Children; secretary, Huw Davies; treasurer, Richard Powell; 1st XV manager, Kenny Bemand; club captain, Charles Turner; club vice-captain, Roger Chilman; 2nd XV manager, Simon Whiteman; 2nd XV captain, Dan Pugh; 2nd XV vice-captain, to be arranged; 3rd & 4th XV manager, Joe Norton; 3rd captain, Dave Pugh; 3rd XV vice-captain, Guy Phillips; 4th XV captain, Andy Kirk.