BACK-ROW bulldozer Ben Russell has re-signed for his childhood club New Milton after a five-year spell with Bournemouth Lions in the higher leagues.

The 29-year-old adds valuable experience and power to the side that last year was promoted to Counties 1 Hampshire.

He joins Alex Everett-Bolter in returning to the New Forest club after a spell with the Lions.

Milton now has an entire first XV comprised entirely of players who have come up through the junior ranks.

Russell said: “I had a hugely enjoyable few years with Bournemouth in a great side but now is the right time to return to New Milton.

“I want to help them as much as I can and assist the coaches in bringing through the younger players.

“I feel I have a few more years left and the rugby New Milton are playing is exciting and suits my style.

“There is a great coaching set-up and it is a club that is going places.”

Director of rugby Ben Wainwright said: “It’s great to welcome Ben back to the club.

“He brings a wealth of experience and adds pace and power to the back row as well as being a line-out option.

“His influence will be felt by the rest of the players and he sets high standards for himself and those around him.

“We have a great club with two good senior teams, many hundreds in our mini, junior and colts sections and a growing girls’ and women’s section.”