DORCHESTER Rugby Club have announced that Scott Bemand, the former Leicester, Bath and Harlequins scrum-half has joined after moving to the area.

Bemand has agreed to become the club’s specialist skills and attack coach and is a welcome addition to head coach Martyn Peel’s team.

Bemand played professional rugby at scrum-half for 10 years making more than 90 appearances in the Premiership, and was an England tourist to Australia in 2006.

He then went on to coach professionally at Loughborough University and has been a specialist England Under-17 and Under-18 scrum-half coach.

He joins Peel’s coaching staff at an exciting time for Dorch-ester where turn-out at pre-season training has been excellent.

If any players, new or returning, wish to join the club, they will be made very welcome.

Training takes place at 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the club’s Coburg Road Ground. All standards are catered for as the club run three senior male sides and a ladies’ team.

The county town club have also been fortunate in strengthening their Colts’ coaching team with the appointment of former player Colin Mathias.

He previously coached the club’s second XV when they won the Dorset & Wilts Second XV Cup, along with Russ Milford.

Again any new players are very welcome.

The Colts also train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm.

The county town club have also been fortunate in strengthening their Colts’ coaching team with the appointment of former player Colin Mathias.

He previously coached the club’s second XV when they won the Dorset & Wilts Second XV Cup, along with Russ Milford.

Any new players are very welcome.

Dorchester’s preparations for the forthcoming season are intensifying, with a programme of friendly matches.

First up are the second and third XVs, combining to welcome Salisbury Thirds on Saturday (3pm).  New players of any ability are always welcome.  

For more information, contact Tom Evans (second team captain) on 07446695868, or Allan Bickley (third team manager) at gladiators@dorchester-rfc.co.uk

First-team action follows on Friday, August 22, with an evening fixture at home to Blandford (7.30pm) and at home again on Saturday August 30, this time to Ivel Barbarians (3pm).

All pre-season matches will be accompanied by a barbecue.

For a more gentle introduction to the game, or just to have fun while getting fit, there is an informal touch rugby session at the club on Tuesday evenings, from 7.30 to 8.30pm, to which all ages and genders are welcome.  

Simply turn up and introduce yourself, although children must be accompanied by adults.