BROMSGROVE RFC have hit out at local rivals Dudley Kingswinford for attempting to tap-up two of their players.

The Finstall Park outfit have claimed DK officers have contacted the unnamed players and offered them contracts in a bid to lure them to their Heathbrook home, without consulting head coach Ross Baxter or any of the coaching staff first.

A statement released by Bromsgrove accused their Black Country neighbours of unsettling the Boars, who are doing well in their first season in the National Two North.

The statement said: “That these individuals should be offering contracts in this manner shows complete disrespect and disregard for Bromsgrove RFC its players, officials and members.

“Such actions can only have an unsettling effect on the players in question and on the club’s important end-of-season run-in.”

Bromsgrove, who lost narrowly to second-placed Caldy at the weekend, have successfully stepped up to the task this season and are comfortably mid-table in eighth place, while Dudley are chasing promotion a level below in the National Three Midlands.

In recent seasons, the Boars have built a squad made up of homegrown local players and astute additions which has won two promotion in the last three years.

The statement continued: “A second/back row who is subject to such an approach epitomises the Bromsgrove spirit and has developed massively at the club.

“He gives 100 per cent every time he takes to the field and we all hope he will go further in the game.

“The club will fight to retain players such as these who provide such a strong role model to the young players of our club.”

Bromsgrove are also set to make representations to the RFU over the alleged approaches and the offering of contracts by a club listed on the HM Revenue and Customs website as a Community Amateur Sports Club.

On the pitch, Bromsgrove have a free weekend and return to league action at home to Kendal on Saturday, March 24 (3pm kick-off).

Dudley Kingswinford declined comment on the situation when contacted by the Advertiser.

Meanwhile, Baxter felt his side had played well against Caldy on Saturday and paid the price for a slow start.

He said: “This was the fourth top team we had played in a row and the question was could we maintain that high level.

“For 20 minutes we struggled and conceded 14 points, which ultimately cost us the game but after that we played well and in general I was pleased by the performance.”