NINE weeks of conditioning have been shaping Hereford Rugby Club’s players ahead of their second campaign in National 3 Midlands.

Director of coaching Steve Bradley has been trying to improve the fitness levels of players during the closed-season.

The club’s official pre-season training got underway at Wyeside this week.

Bradley will be working with coaches Mark Harris and Jeremy Beavan.

Nick Vaughan and Dave Thomas will be responsible for the second and third teams respectively.

And director of rugby John Watkins is taking a sabbatical to concentrate on the embryonic development team.

In addition to his new role, Watkins will lend his vast experience to last season’s very successful Colts squad.

Gareth Miles has been named club captain with Richard Sparey leading the seconds and Matt Milson, the thirds.

Phil Rees is the newly-appointed first-team manager, with Martin Lewis looking after the second team.

Club stalwart Wmfre Dafis will be assisting with the third and fourth teams.

Hereford open their National 3 Midlands campaign with a trip to Shropshire rivals Newport on September 4.

They will also be facing Sheffield Tigers, who have been transferred from the Northern section, rivals Burton, Old Northamptonians and Scunthorpe.

The Wyesiders’ first home match is against Peterborough on September 11.

Hereford round off the season with a home match against Newport on April 16.