NEIL Mitchell says competition at Stourbridge will be as strong as he has ever known it after doubling the size of his squad this summer.

The Stourton Park outfit will boast a squad of 40 following a major recruitment drive after the team again missed out on National Two North last term.

After managing to retain the majority of last season’s squad, the director of rugby has wasted no time in adding to the group, particularly up front.

Only Chris Roddy and James Rodley are the main names to have moved on.

Coming in are loose-head props Tom Harrison, who will use is experience to also coach the club’s minis and juniors; former player Tom Brown, Darren Dean from Leicester Lions and former junior Chad Thorpe, who has moved back to area after a spell with Rotherham.

Further depth has been added by former Moseley hooker Jack Lea as well as a host of arrivals in the backs.

“Last season we had to make do with only Stef Thorpe, Adam Sturdy and Mark George, so getting more props in was something we targeted early,” said Mitchell.

“We have maintained last season’s squad, which became a really settled side at the end of last season, and have now added to that.

“We now have a side with real Championship experience and quality and a lot of strength in depth.

“It means we have huge competition for places, better than I have ever known during my time at the club. To have 10 players in the front row really shows how strong we are.

“I can probably field two different packs. It means players need to step up to make sure they keep the shirt. They will have to perform in training each week as well at weekends.

“There were times last season when people knew they would wear the shirt week in, week out. That is no longer the case.

“It will be a different type of challenge to keep such a big squad motivated, but it’s a good problem to have.”