Neil Mitchell has hailed the Fortey-fication of a Stourbridge squad that is beginning to have an imposing look to it.

Stour’s director of rugby has moved to address the lack of bulk that undermined his team last season by bringing in Gloucester and Worcester legend Chris Fortey.

The dynamic hooker announced this week he had signed a new six-month deal to remain at Sixways, as injury cover for Warriors’ new signing Ollie Hayes.

During that spell he will be assisting Mitchell in a coaching capacity and may even be released to turn out for the National One outfit.

But at the end of that contract Fortey will bring the benefit of his 212 Premiership appearances to Stourton Park on a permanent basis, a massive boost to Mitchell.

“He will be working closely with myself and Thinus Delport during the coming months and we are looking forward to the experience and expertise he can bring to our coaching team,” Mitchell said.

“This opportunity will enable the continuity of the good work done by Tony Windo last season and maintains the strong Warriors link.

“Chris has committed to Warriors as a player until Christmas to compete in their Premiership campaign.

“However, Warriors CEO Charlie Little has indicated there may be opportunities during the early season where Chris may be released to play for the Saxons.

“I have met with Chris on several occasions and he is excited about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at Stourbridge.

“Chris is not only keen to progress as a coach, but to enhance our team as a player and leader as he has for both Gloucester and the Warriors.”

Windo, another Worcester legend, spent a year at Stourton Park before taking up the head of rugby role at Bromsgrove School.

Fortey might be a coaching novice but there is little about the dark arts of the front-row he doesn’t know.

An excellent set-piece exponent and punishing tackler, the veteran defied advancing years to establish himself as Warriors’ first choice hooker in their key games last season.

He played a big part in the club’s Championship title and wanted to finish his full-time playing days in the Premiership.

He joins lock Rob Hurrell, who for several seasons has been one of the best tight-forwards in National One, as a new arrival at Stourton Park.