MALVERN host Wolverhampton at Spring Lane tomorrow (2pm) in their last warm-up match before the season starts.

With training numbers at the highest level for many years, new director of rugby David Irish is pleased with all the players’ commitment.

He said: “We have regularly seen more than 40 at the sessions since the start of training in July.

“I’m sure this is in great part due to the influence of Billy McGinty, the former Great Britain rugby league player and Worcester Warriors coach.

“His sessions are varied and enjoyable, making training far less of a slog, and the players have responded brilliantly.

“We now also see the under 17s and a couple of the other youth age groups training alongside the seniors, which bodes well for the future.”

Irish sees tomorrow’s game as a chance to fine-tune the squad in time to face his former club Ludlow in the cup. He coached there for several years before returning to Spring Lane.

Irish added: “The cup game brings me face-to-face with players who I grew to know well during my time at Ludlow.

“I’m sure they will want to try to put one over on us so we are looking forward to a highly competitive match.”

Malvern skipper Luke Milton (back) is a doubt for tomorrow and there are still players away on holidays.