NEW signing Joe Vandermolen says he is excited about joining Chinnor ahead of next season after leaving Greene King IPA Championship side Bedford Blues.

The 24-year-old No 8, who was Bedford’s players’ player of the season in 2013-14, becomes director of rugby Matt Williams’ third summer signing.

Vandermolen joins fly half Mark Davies and winger Nevaro Codlin, both from Cinderford, in signing for the National League 2 South club.

Stepping down two divisions to join Chinnor proved to be a straight-forward decision for Vandermolen.

“Even though I’m relatively young I feel I have achieved all I can from professional rugby and I loved my time at Bedford,”he said.

“Having spoken to several clubs, I was really impressed with the ambition and what is going on at Chinnor.

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“The squad Matt is building feels exciting.

“It’s a good time to be joining the club.”

Williams, who guided Chinnor to sixth this season, added: “I am delighted to welcome Joe to the club.

“He is a very powerful player who loves running hard with ball in hand.

“Joe is also a top bloke off the pitch.

“He will bring a real professional work ethic and understanding.”

The club have re-signed this season’s leading try scorer, Reuben Haile, who crossed 16 times, scoring 80 points.

Centre Sam Angell, winger Robbie Martey and second row Darren Oliver have also agreed to stay.

They join ten others, including player-coach Junior Fatialofa, in committing to the club for the next campaign.

Williams said: “Reuben is our top try scorer, while Robbie Martey really came into his own towards the end of the season and shows great promise.

“Darren Oliver is a very important re-signing for me because he should be a very good lock at this level.

“Even though he did not play many games due to injury he still had a lot of clubs trying to sign him.”

Williams continued: “Sam is a local boy who I felt had a very strong year up until he got injured.

“He will do well for us next year.”