DEVONPORT Services have signed former Ivybridge fly-half Sam Brown ahead of the new season, following his return to the UK after a spell in Australia.

And Brown is likely to make his debut in a Services shirt against his former club, with Devonport hosting Ivybridge at the Rectory on Friday night in a combined first and second team pre-season fixture (7.30pm).

“I think he could be a cracking player for us,” said Services’ head coach Ben Russell.

Brown will give Services additional options at 10 and in the centre, while the club also expect to have Royal Navy backs Henry Gliddon, Ben Callard and George Pooley available for the new season.

Devonport have 38 players available for Friday night’s derby match, which will be their last pre-season fixture before the Regional One South West campaign starts on September 6

“We should have two really good sides out, even though we have got 10 missing,” said Russell, whose team were left without a fixture last weekend. “And we do have to get as much out of it as we can.”

Ivybridge have played a four-team mini tournament against Saltash, Salcombe and the Plymouth Dolphins and a 60-minute match against Plymstock Oaks, but they know Friday’s game against Services will be a proper test for them.

Plymouth Argaum and Tavistock will also be in action on Friday when they open their pre-season campaigns with a friendly at Bickleigh Down (6.30pm).

Both sides have had to re-group in the summer after suffering relegation – Tavistock have dropped down to Counties Two Devon, while Argaum have returned to Counties Three Devon South & West.

“We’ve spoken to Tavistock and they think they will have 25-26 players, which is similar to us,” said Argaum head coach Dean Avery.

“It should be a good run-out. It will give us both a chance to look at new signings and returning players.”

He added: “I think this has probably been the best pre-season I’ve had here. It has been really positive; players have been really buying in and even doing extras.”

Tamar Saracens had also been due to be in action on Friday. They had been scheduled to travel to Polson Bridge to play Launceston IIs, but that fixture has been cancelled.

However, Sarries have finally announced a new head coach, with Adrian Coles taking over at the Parkway. Coles previously played for Saracens, as well as Ivybridge and Civil Service.