STROUD have been boosted by a raft off on and off the pitch changes with the Fromehall Park side looking to bounce back to level seven of the English rugby ladder at the first time of asking.

Relegated from Western Counties North last season after managing just three wins, the team are now facing up to life in the Gloucester Premier League, but with new director of rugby Dave Spencer at the helm. optimism is high. The former Gloucester legend has drafted in Lydney fly-half Craig Jones has been appointed senior head coach at Fromehall Park and will be assisted by his Severnsiders colleague James Bashford, who will concentrate on coaching the forwards.

Both men will be responsible for the training and development of the Senior and Nomads squads - and will also assist in development of the Under-17s/Colts initiative.

Spencer said: “I have known and coached Craig throughout his playing days at Stourbridge in National Two and in more recent times playing for Gloucestershire.

“He is a very talented fly-half who can also turn his hand to centre and full-back.

“He joins the club from the Lydney RFC as our head coach and will be a massive boost to the Stroud RFC coaching staff and also increase the strength of the playing squad. He brings with him quality on and off the field.

“James also joins us from Lydney where he has been playing regular first team rugby for many years.

“He is a Stroud lad and has always stated that he wanted to return to Stroud RFC before he retired from playing - he has now achieved that goal.

“He is eager to start training, coaching and playing again at Fromehall Park.

“His knowledge and experience of the game will be a major asset to the Stroud forwards next season in a tough Gloucester Premier campaign.

“We are all delighted at Stroud RFC that they are both joining us and welcome them with open arms to Fromehall Park.”

STROUD are preparing to give the rugby club a makeover this weekend.

An old disused bar will be turned into a players’ bar and the reception area will be given a spruce up as part of the RBS RugbyForce weekend. RBS RugbyForce Weekend is designed to help local rugby clubs help themselves get prepared for the 2012/13 season.

Chairman Jo Hammonds said: “We need to improve the function room area because good facilities and a fun environment can be the difference between players sticking with rugby or not.

“RBS RugbyForce will help us improve the club and make it a real focus for the community.

“We hope that the weekend will really help us for the next season and also introduce new members to Stroud RFC so we can continue to grow.”

Anybody interested in getting involved with the RBS RugbyForce weekend at Stroud RFC should e.mail nickygamble.hotmail.co.uk