England and London Irish scrum-half Paul Hodgson is helping out with coaching during the first five weeks of Sutton & Epsom’s pre-season preparations.
Hodgson, who started playing junior rugby for Sutton aged just five, has been recruited by new head coach Terry O’Connor, an ex-London Irish man himself.
O’Connor said: “Paul says we must target the opening four games.
“At the beginning of the season, we always have players unavailable for various reasons so I must make those available work on their fitness and skill levels and build them build them into a formidable unit.
“Then, as the other players become available, I can feed them into an already successful side.”
A pool of more than 30 first teamers have been turning out for training but the club is looking for other new recruits for Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions at Rugby Lane, Cheam.
The club will play 26 league matches in the New National Division Three, starting with an away trip to North Walsham on September 5.
Other early matches are at home to Basingstoke on September 12, away to Jersey on September 19 and at home to Dorking on September 26.
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