CORSHAM will look to improve on the accomplishments of last season’s second-placed finish following the appointment of a new coaching set-up at Lacock Road.

Having helped out with aspects of coaching last season, Tim Draper steps into the role of backs coach whilst Adam Jamieson, having recently retired at Cornish Pirates prematurely, is the new forwards coach and is now looking to develop as a coach at the club he played for since he was a junior.

Corsham have had a successful pre-season, winning silverware in the Bath Combination Sevens bowl, a convincing 47-0 win over Chipping Sodbury as well as putting in a great defensive effort against a physical Trowbridge side as they were beaten 26-14.

And the new coaching team hope to improve upon the strong performances of last season and be in a position to compete for the league title come the end of the season.

Corsham, captained for the second successive season by Will Chivers, have kept the bulk of last year’s squad with the odd exception as players head off to and return from university.

Draper, whose side go to Devizes 2nd for their opener on Saturday, said: “We’ve had an excellent pre-season with good numbers attending training and two good pre-season games.

“We are excited about the season ahead to develop on last year’s improvement and to continue bringing young players through alongside our more experienced guys.”

Elsewhere, Minety - led by new head coach Richard Hall - host promoted Pewsey Vale on the opening day.