Esher chief executive Mike Schmid is set to unveil more new faces at Molesey Road this week.
Schmid confirmed Patrick O’Grady, second-row George Drye, centre Jack Cooke, flanker Charlie Gossington and winger Rhys Howells had all penned new deals on the squad’s return to pre-season training last week.
Their signatures add to 12 others – including captain Ian Kench and centre Tom Cheeseman – who have already committed to another campaign in National Division One next term.
O’Grady joined the club in 2010, having come through the system at Hartpury College – who won promotion to National One by winning National Two South in April – with George Drye arriving in 2012.
Jack Cooke and Charlie Gossington have graduated with honours from the club’s academy, with Rhys Howells – capped by Wales Students – coming to Hersham last summer.
And first team coach Chris Kibble, who has worked with all five players in sevens and 15-man rugby, says O’ Grady is the ace in the pack.
“He’s a competitive man who wants to win,” he said.
“I think playing a full summer of sevens will help him hit the ground running in September, fitness wise.”
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