Hartpury RFC have stepped up their preparations for their first season in the Championship after naming a number of new signings.

The newly promoted side have secured the signatures of 12 new players just ahead of their pre-season training getting under way.

Hartpury’s director of rugby John Barnes said: “Next season will be a new step for us and it’s great to see some new faces among the squad bringing a mix of experience and some really young and exciting talent.

“Everyone brings something to the team as individuals and we’re really keen to see what they bring to the squad when pre-season gets under way soon.”

Graduate Tom Heard leads the additions as the former college student returns to Gloucestershire.

He spent two years at Hartpury before signing for Plymouth Albion. The prop brings Championship experience having plied his trade at Nottingham last season. He will study for a degree at Hartpury alongside his rugby commitments.

Further top-level experience will be provided by fellow front-rower Mike Daniels, who also joins Hartpury as a student after leaving Premiership side Worcester.

National One side Birmingham Moseley and newly relegated Championship team Bristol meanwhile have provided Hartpury with three new players apiece.

Student Elias Caven (wing) returns to Hartpury after scoring some amazing tries as a dual registered player last season while centre Nick Carpenter joins from Bristol’s academy and will complete a degree in Sports Science at Hartpury.

Australian-born BJ Edwards also arrives from Bristol to compete for a place in the second row.

Moseley – who Hartpury faced last season on their way to the National One title – have parted company with Will Crane and James Williams, who also join Hartpury as students.

Front-row Crane will study Sports Business Management while fly-half Williams will also combine his studies with Championship rugby. Ed Sheldon, National One1’s second top try scorer last season – behind Hartpury’s Jonas Mikalcius – also joins from Moseley.

Another former student finds himself back at Hartpury after studying as a college student before signing for Gloucester Rugby. This season will not be Rob Langley’s first appearance in an RFC shirt after numerous games during his first year with Gloucester.

Experienced prop Dan Murphy joins from Harlequins after stints at London Irish and Gloucester, providing Hartpury’s young front-rowers with someone to learn from. Ampthill’s Darryl Dyer and National Two South Redruth’s Alex Ducker complete the signings.