CINDERFORD Rugby Club will be putting their faith in a clutch of young talents to keep them in National League One this season.

The club has made 18 new signings in total, giving them a first-team squad of more than 40 players.

Adam Nicholls has also been named club captain for 2011/12 in place of Chris Hall.

Director of rugby Andy Deacon said: "Adam was very influential last year and had a lot of input."

Regarding the new faces, Deacon says bringing in young players on the way up is a conscious strategy.

"That's what we want, hungry young lads looking to step up. I'm not interested in old men with big egos.

"As a club we know what we have got to do. I have great belief that we can get into the top tier of the league, which boasts some strong sides with large budgets.

"Our squad is stronger than ever and these new signings add greater depth."

Most of the new signings are forwards.

Hooker Chris Hall is unlikely to play so the club has recruited four young hookers to push Sam Wilkes for the number two shirt.

County player Matt Jones has joined from Old Pats, Tom Bozzard has switched from Coney Hill and Nico Woodward has also signed up after being released by the Gloucester Academy.

Homegrown youngster Rob Groves has been fast-tracked up the ranks after impressing last season in the club's Stags team.

Prop Tom Heard and second-row Will Graulich come in on loan from Gloucester.

Two more second-rows have been recruited in Ben West and Charlie Davey.

West approached the club for a trial after playing for Newbury last term, while Davey previously played for Plymouth Albion.

Strengthening the back-row are former Old Pats player Jake Kitson and Hartpury duo Ashley Brown and Will Foden.

In the backs, Mike Wilcox arrives on loan from Bristol to back up new number 10 Rory Teague.

A notable addition is centre Simeon James – the brother of Kiwi Matt James, who also played for Cinderford. Simeon joins from Rotherham and was a Championship regular last year.

Winger Kai Done speeds in from Launceston, along with Hereford winger Morgan Goodhall and Hull centre James Green. Al Bryan returns to Dockham Road after a successful season playing overseas in Holland.

Off the field, former Coney Hill man Paul Morris joins the coaching set-up. Morris will take charge of the United team.

Deacon added: "We want Paul to improve the link between the firsts and seconds. It's all about better feedback and dedication to detail."

Cinderford's first pre-season friendly is on August 6 at home to Launceston.

That game will be followed by two away fixtures at Cross Keys on August 13 and Llandovery on August 20.