LYDNEY have received a big blow ahead of the new campaign with prop George Porter signing for Championship outfit Plymouth Albion.

After coming through the youth ranks at the club, the 19-year-old was a mainstay in the side last season with his superior size and bulk leaving plenty of opponents in his wake.

However, it is his leadership qualities that may be missed most, despite being so young, after he led the Gloucestershire Under-20s side to their second consecutive National Championship triumph at Twickenham.

Former Albion player and current Lydney coach, Nick Bartlett, said Porter would be greatly missed next season.

"We looked at the possibility of him playing at this level for another year and then going down there next season," Bartlett said.

"But it is an opportunity to play full-time rugby and start in the Championship at a young age for a prop.

"He is a big, physical guy and has matured more mentally and physically then he should for his age.

"He was absolutely fantastic for us last season. We miss him already. He was a great part of the squad."

However, after Lydney just managed to fight off the threat of relegation last year, leaving it until the penultimate game to secure their safety, Bartlett says there are no plans to replace Porter.

Ben Smith will come back into the side more after taking time out last season following the arrival of a new child and to work on his house.

Paul Price is now back after serving his suspension last season and Steve Price is also around to fight for selection.

Bartlett says there have been plenty of new faces taking an interest in playing for the club but could not reveal any names until registration was finalised in early July.

At the moment, the squad is back on Wednesday nights playing touch rugby as a light warm-up to the new campaign in the newly named National Two South.

Preparations will then step up a notch come July time.