Player-coach James Shanahan snapped up the duo on season-long loans from Northampton Saints on the eve of their big kick-off against Stourbridge.

Vickers is a 19-year-old hooker, while Brake is a 20-year-old scrum-half, and Shanahan believes that the pair will add further competition to an already burgeoning squad.

"They won't play many league games at Northampton, only Guinness A League, so it will be a good experience and learning curve for them," he said.

"I've not seen too much of Jon Vickers, but he comes highly recommended. He can play anywhere in the front-row but, because of his size, they are looking at him more as a hooker long-term.

"He is very mobile and athletic, which will help us, as will the type of game we try to play. He should fit in quite quickly.

"John Brake is very versatile, he's played at No.9, No.13, wing and full-back. He's an Austin Healey-type of player who can play in many positions."