TALENTED back row forward Will Hodgson, who missed the latter part of Wellington's season with torn bicep tendons, is back in pre-season rugby training at the Athletic Ground.

He has been joined by No 8 Cam Venn who was troubled with a knee problem for the second half of the season.

Also in training is second row Will Machin who is back from university and should be available on a regular basis this winter.

Head coach Graham Dawe, the former England and Bath hooker, said: "Things have been looking good in training with up to 30 players attending sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including some of last season's Colts. There have also been a couple of new faces.

"We're all looking forward to the club's 150th year anniversary - and to all the events which are being planned."

The first team's vice-captain George Hodgson has also been organising barbeques at the end of the sessions which have gone down nicely.

Danny Lee will continue as skipper of the lst XV while Andrew Bellamy remains captain of the 2nd XV.

The first team's opening game of the new season in Regional Two South West is a derby clash at home to Cullompton on Saturday, September 7.