FORMER Worcester, Lydney and Matson loosehead George Porter has been made captain of Cinderford’s first XV for the coming season.

Porter replaces Mike Wilcox, who is leaving for National League One side Hartpury College this summer.

Porter, a Matson boy ’born and bred’ according to director of rugby Paul Morris, spent a year and a half at Regentsholme between 2007 and 2009 and has been playing most recently in the Championship with Ealing Trailfinders.

The 27-year-old also has experience in the Premiership, having turned out for Worcester Warriors and was a member of Paul Morris’ Gloucestershire Under-20 side that won the county championship in 2009.

“He’s a great signing for us,” said Morris.

“I know him well and he knows a lot of the lads well as they were all in the Under-20 set-up. You’ve got the likes of Stef Hawley, Robbie Winchle and Chris Bundy who were all in that team.

“It’s a fresh outlook on the captaincy. He leads from the front and he’s the kind of player who really enjoys training.

“There aren’t a lot of players with his experience and he’s a good bridge between the players and the coaches.”

Winchle, meanwhile, has been named as club captain as Morris says he is trying to boost the feel-good factor at Dockham Road.

“He’s a very sociable and personable and he has the interest of the players at heart,” Morris said.

“It means everyone gets a fair whack at being heard. It’s about taking excuses away.

“I do believe in strong leadership and would like to believe I provide that as a coach. I know Adam Balding, Andrew Stanley and Clive Stuart-Smith are strong coaching leaders.”

Six players have departed the club, including Gloucestershire representatives Sam Hanks and Sam Baker who have joined Ampthill.

“They all got offers they couldn’t turn down,” Morris added.

“Those two had the chance to play at a level of rugby and for money we couldn’t offer and I wish them the best of luck.

“Elliot Booley has job commitments in Bristol and it makes perfect sense for him to play for Clifton, while Milo Reynolds is an Exmouth boy and having finished studying at the University of Gloucestershire that was a no brainer move too.

“George Mills is probably the best player of the lot and he’ll be missed but he let us know just after Christmas he’d be leaving the club.

“He’s from Devon and wants to be there with his family.

“Davy McGregor is also heading back to the area but none of them are leaving because of an issue with Cinderford rugby club, which is positive.”