DUDLEY Kingswinford have been dealt a devastating pre-season blow by losing star players Stefan Shillingford and Matt Farrington to fierce local rivals Stourbridge.

Coach Shaun Perry admitted their departure from the DK’s was a real body-blow.

He said: “I did have a good talk with Stefan, but I couldn’t keep hold of him.

“Stourbridge are a good club with a good set-up and if they feel the need to move on, then good luck to them.

“I know Stefan quite well as he had a couple of games for Worcester’s A side - but he’s decided to move on and all you can do is wish them the best.

“It will be interesting when we play Stourbridge, as it’s the second game of the season and it will be good for them to come back.

“I’ve played with some lads one season, them against them the next, it happens.

“I love Dudley Kingswinford and I think it’s an awesome club, but we’re always going to find it difficult holding onto our top players.

“What Jamie Percival and myself have got to do is to spot the next top players coming through at the club.

“I’ve been delighted with the enthusiasm I’ve seen from the players in training so far”.

Stourbridge Director of Rugby Neil Mitchell added: “They are both quality players. I believe that Matt Farrington will play in the Premiership.

“I’ve been after Stefan Shillingford for the past couple of years, but he’s always stayed loyal to Dudley.

“Now he wants to progress and it’s fair to say I’m over the moon at signing them.”

Before DK kick-off their home National Two North campaign against the Saxons on Saturday, September 14, Perry’s first game in charge is a testing trip to Leicester Lions on Saturday, September 7.