Drayton are tapping into World Cup fever

The Greenfields-based side, whose first team play in Midlands Four West North, have already bolstered their backroom staff over the summer with a newly-elected club president, vice chairman and sponsor secretary.

And they are hoping that the arrival of the Rugby World Cup on British shores next month will help the club to expand the playing squad significantly both in the men's and junior sides.

Chairman Nick Minshall said: "We want to tap into the interest generated by the World Cup.

"The World Cup will be everywhere, people will watch the sport on TV and if they like what they see and want to try it themselves then they are welcome to come down."

Drayton have 30 registered first team players for next season, as well as a thriving junior section.

They have struggled for numbers on first-team match days in the past but are keen to increase the squad size this year with a view to eventually establishing a second-team.

Bosses would also like to establish a veterans' side in the future.

Numbers at pre-season training are currently up, with 22 adults training regularly ahead of the big kick-off on September 5, and the club wants to encourage more players to get involved in the coming months.

Drayton's first team have enjoyed some successes in recent years with two promotions in the last six years, albeit one relegation has also been suffered in that time.

The club is eyeing a top half finish in the league this season, but Minshall added that rugby is not all about the winning.

He said: "Rugby's always had a reputation for being a very social sport so we certainly feel we can offer something for everyone of all ages to get involved with."

First-team training is on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7.30pm-9pm at Greenfields. The juniors train every Sunday from 10.30am from September 6.