Andy Deacon has a spring in his step ahead of the new rugby season.

No real surprise there, of course, because Cirencester’s director of rugby is a true rugby man and all rugby men are looking forward with excitement as the start of a new campaign draws ever nearer.

But one of the things that has especially pleased one-time Gloucester prop Deacon is the addition of two new appointments to the coaching team.

Both from the Hartpury RFC stable, Luke Stratford has come on board to coach the forwards and Harry Cochrane has arrived as backs coach.

Both have been well received by the players, bringing energy and inspiration to the squad who this season will be playing in Gloucester One.

“It’s great working with two coaches who come personally recommended by friend and Hartpury coach Mark Cornwell,” said Deacon.

“They play and coach at a great standard, typical of the Hartpury brand, and so far in this first month the vibe in training has been positive and upbeat. It’s a pleasure having these guys on the team.

“Harry and Luke have slotted in brilliantly and the proof has been a week on week impressive turnout = 40-plus players, new and old, running out on the paddock.

“The Colts also train with the seniors – as introduced two years ago – which has paid dividends and is a successful pathway for young players moving to senior rugby.”

And while Deacon is certainly enjoying himself, it’s fair to say his two new coaching recruits are as well.

Cochrane has been playing rugby since the age of six in Jersey and moved to Hartpury five years ago where he is now playing at Championship level.

“Coaching is the next step in my rugby career and having the opportunity at Cirencester with Deacs is exciting,” Cochrane said.

“I have heard great things about the club and their ambition to further develop the Colts and youth system to progress into the first team and with the brand of rugby the club look to adopt, it’s a good fit.

“The club are looking for a fresh start in this division and I am motivated by the opportunity to help shape their success and get back to winning ways

“I think it’s about building a style of rugby the boys and supporters will enjoy playing and watching and with that will come with better performance and results.”

Stratford, meanwhile, is also from Jersey and has been playing at Hartpury since 2014. He sees his Cirencester appointment as a way to progress both his playing and coaching skills.

“The prospect of coaching the upcoming young guys is a massive attraction for me so I can pass on some of my knowledge, watch them progress and make that step up at a senior level,” he explained.

“I am also working with the more experienced lads at the club and with some of the older boys returning to play, it shows we are hopefully doing something right.

“Harry and I have been made really welcome and established good friendships on and off the pitch. The squad numbers are really encouraging and the gains being made each week look promising as we head to the friendlies.”

Also supporting Deacon this season is newly appointed senior player Oli Newman as 1st XV captain, aided by Alex Hammond as vice-captain. Will McCarthy remains as the club captain, with Alisdair Wood as 1st XV team manager and Tom Wenban as 2nd XV team manager.

Deacon added: “I plan for stability this year in player presence and to deliver winning rugby back to the Whiteway, backed by a committed coaching team.

“With familiar faces wanting to come back and some new signings I wanted to make sure we enjoy fitness and training and take this energy in to the friendlies.

“The clubhouse and grounds are also in excellent shape following the off-season major refurb and decoration project inside.

“We will also continue our focus on the Sunday morning girls’ sessions.”