CINDERFORD director of rugby Nic Corrigan welcomes back Callum Sheedy into his starting XV for tomorrow’s home game against Ampthill & District.

Bristol Rugby Academy prospect Sheedy returns to Dockham Road having played a crucial part in the club’s escape from relegation last season, becoming Cinderford’s top points scorer last season in the process.

“Callum is a player who last season added a great amount of character and talent to the squad,” Corrigan said.

“He needs no introduction to the club and to see him train last night with the group shows the player he is; he simply got on with it and got into the mix.

“I must add my thanks for Andy Robinson & Mike Hall at Bristol Rugby, who in this process have been exceptional in the short term dual registration being granted to us.

“As with any dual-registered player they aren’t guaranteed anything other than a club that is proud to help in their development and provide a platform for longer term rugby hopefully at a fuller level.”

Joe Mullis, another new signing from Gloucester Academy, has been named on the bench – a youngster who has already impressed at the Beavis Memorial Ground.

“Joe trained with us last night and we welcome a young player into the club to add to our front row options,” Corrigan added.

“I was really impressed with his work rate and very impressed with how he just got in with training. I am grateful to Neil McCarthy and David Humprheys at Gloucester Rugby for their support”

The Foresters will hope to fight back after two consecutive losses in National League One so far this season and Corrigan says his side are under scrutiny as a result.

“This will be a huge challenge at a time where both of our performances this season have not been representative of this group’s ability,” he said.

“Losing isn’t the issue; our whole approach to last week built up well to the training session and into the match and we went to give a good performance. It didn’t happen.

“Our character as a group is under question. We must perform and focus on managing the game for 80 minutes and crucial situations.

“Deeper than that though, some inside and outside of the club question this squad’s – staff included – ability in the game. We have to respond positively to that with a responsible performance.

Cinderford squad: Mike Wilcox (capt), Lukas Slowik, Sam Hanks, Rob Winchle, Alex Pickersgill, Callum Sheedy, Jimmy Williams; Chris Bundy, Davy McGregor, Francisco Bruno,

Milo Reynolds, Roger Birkin, George Mills, Marcus Brown, Matt Lane.

Replacements: Will Goodrick-Clarke, Joe Mullis, Will Scholes, Ben Penfold, Danny Pointon.