NEIL Hunter has pledged to re-establish Grove as a community-driven club after being appointed their new head coach, writes Jack Johnson.

The former Scotland Under 21 international takes over from Craig Burrows, who left the South West 1 East outfit last month.

Grove, who won the Oxfordshire Cup in 2015, will begin their fourth campaign in English rugby’s sixth tier in September.

After a last-minute try was needed in the penultimate game to avoid relegation last season, the south Oxfordshire side are looking to do things a little differently.

And Hunter, who works as a PE teacher at Abingdon School, has no doubt, if the club are to rise further up the rugby pyramid, where the seeds of success should be planted.

“We would like to move up a league within a five-year period,” he said.

“It is very difficult and challenging, but it is not going to be the be-all and end-all of what we are trying to achieve.

“Importantly for the club and myself it is about trying to re-establish a bit more of a community feeling.

“Actually working with the youth section and the girls and ladies, making sure the 2nds and 3rds, the colts, all the way down, that there is a bit more of a buzz around the club.

“That’s a bigger target and part and parcel of that is if the first team are doing well as well.”

Hunter will be joined by assistant coach David Johnson, who has been at Grove for 14 years as a player and a coach.

Second row Josh Tyler has been named as forwards player/coach after signing from National League 1 side Ampthill.

Dave Wells will also combine his playing duties with being the club’s conditioning coach.

Hunter added: “I am an ambitious coach and I have spoken about various things with the club, but next year is about being a more competitive side and hopefully we can get off to a good start and not be fighting for our lives.”

Pre-season training begins at 7pm on July 5, at Cane Lane.

Any interested players should contact club captain Nigel Dixey on 07825 525125.

Meanwhile, Theo Brophy-Clews has been tipped to have a bright future after being forced to withdraw from the World Under 20 Championship through injury.

The fly half, from Wallingford, was forced off with a foot injury during the opening pool match against Italy in Manchester last Tuesday.

Head coach Martin Haag said: “It’s hugely disappointing for Theo to be ruled out of the tournament at this stage.

“He’s a very talented young player and has showed great leadership both on and off the field.

“We wish him well with his recovery, he has a bright future ahead of him and he will have the opportunity to be part of the programme next year.”