FORMER Scotland Under 21 international Neil Hunter has been appointed Grove’s new head coach.

The ex-Gloucester, Sale, Waterloo and Fylde fly half takes over from Craig Burrows, who left the South West 1 East club last month.

Hunter has previously coached at Chinnor, Oxford University and Richmond Women, as well as junior teams at Abingdon School and in the Oxfordshire county set-up.

He will be joined by assistant coach David Johnson, who has been at Grove for 14 years as a player and most recently as a coach.

Second row Josh Tyler has been named as forwards player/coach after signing from National League 1 side Ampthill.

Dave Wells will also combine his playing duties with being the club’s conditioning coach.

Open pre-season sessions begin at 7pm on Tuesday, July 5, at Cane Lane.

Any interested players should contact club captain Nigel Dixey on 07825 525125.

GOSFORD All Blacks are already putting preparations in place ahead of their Southern Counties North campaign.

The Kidlington-based club capped their 60th anniversary by winning the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier and the Oxfordshire Shield last season.

Pre-season training will take place at Stratfield Brake from 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the first session tonight.

Head coach Matt Watts said: “Our success last season was built on a squad with real talent and togetherness.

“There’s always plenty of fun and laughter in the group, but none of our achievements would have been possible without plenty of hard work.”

Anyone interested in playing for Gosford should visit gosfordrugby.com.

OXFORD Harlequins bid to build on last season’s unbeaten home campaign in South West 1 East when they begin their pre-season training on Tuesday, July 5.

Sessions start at 7pm at Marston Ferry Road, while prospective players can call head of rugby Alan Hancock on 07809 075845 or email alanhank@sky.com.

Meanwhile, Quins have been hosting touch rugby tournaments on Thursday evenings for male and female players of all ages and abilities.

The free of charge six-a-side games run until the end of this month, with the club welcoming up to 70 people a week since the first session in May.