DIRECTOR of rugby Rob Cook said he was pleased with how his Malvern side were shaping up ahead of the new Midlands Two West (South) season.

The Spring Lane outfit are one month into pre-season training and Cook admitted it had “already got a little tasty” with players looking to impress.

Cook, who has received support from ex-head coach Nick Tisdale, said he “cannot fault the effort” of his troops and was looking forward to seeing Malvern take on Nuneaton in a friendly on Saturday, August 19 (3pm).

“It’s been a great start to pre-season training, good numbers and fantastic effort,” said Cook, who has previously played in the Aviva Premiership with Gloucester.

“We have been mainly working on skills, structure and fitness and I cannot fault the effort of the lads. Contact work will start soon even though training has already got a little tasty.

“We are looking forward to the pre-season games where we will get a chance to put into practice the skills we have been developing.”

One of Cook’s key roles as boss was to continue the integration of youth players into adult rugby and he said he was happy with what he had seen.

The ex-Cornish Pirates full-back admitted he was also keen to bolster his squad as they look to improve on last season’s fifth-placed finish.

“It’s really good to see the colts integrating into training with the senior sides which will set them in good stead for the step up in a couple of years time,” he added.

“Recruitment has gone well and we are continuing to work on it.”

Malvern begin the league campaign on Saturday, September 9 with a trip to Evesham.

They will then host Kenilworth on Saturday, September 23 before rounding off the opening month with a visit to Leamington on Saturday, September 30.