FORMER World Cup player Gareth Rowlands has given Ledbury Rugby Club's league hopes a huge boost by signing for the Ross Road-based club.

Ledbury coach Rob Collins has realised from the outset that some key signing will be crucial if his side are to be successful this season in Midlands 3 West (South) and Rowlands is the first.

A series of shoulder injuries has ended the big forward's top-class professional career in Wales, but his experience and skills should prove invaluable for Ledbury to progress up the leagues.

Although he was born in Wales, Rowlands' family moved to Canada when he was five. He gained international status for Canada Under-21, Under-23 and A teams, and went on to win six full caps, three of which were against Argentina, New Zealand and Australia.

He then gained selection for the Canada squad in the 1995 World Cup before moving back to Wales and playing for Bridgend, Newport and Pontypridd.

Of his move to playing in Herefordshire, Rowlands said: "A number of things attracted me to Ledbury - the overall set-up, the dedicated training, the club's ambitions and the quality of other players."

Coach Collins added: "Gareth brings with him enormous experience that can be shared with the rest of the squad. Not only that, but his sheer bulk in the pack will be a great advantage for Ledbury this season."

Collins has also appointed a fitness coach in Isiah Young, who has recently finished a HND in sports conditioning and coaching at Hartpury College. He has played for Hartpury, Lydney and Gloucester under-21.