After struggling with injuries at lock this season, Pertemps Bees have already secured the services of two second rows for the next campaign by bringing in Gloucester veteran Mark Cornwell and resigning top line-out target Rob Walton.

Cornwell has agreed to move to Sharmans Cross Road after ten years with the Premiership powerhouse and is expected to be Bees' captain next season.

The 33-year-old, who is in his testimonial year at Kingsholm, has played more than 180 first-team games for the club and should remain involved in a player development role.

But he will continue his playing career in National One where he is likely to partner Walton after the Hinckley-born forward agreed another one-year deal with Bees.

Walton is in his second spell in Solihull, following his return at the turn of the year from an unhappy six-month stay with Rotherham.

Since he has come back into the Bees team, the 6ft 10in lock has been a reliable jumper in a line-out that is functioning much better than at the start of the season.

The news that he has already signed two second-rows for next term is a massive boost for director of rugb, Phil Maynard, given the problems they have had this year.

Ben Hughes and Rob Hurrell have been forced into virtual retirement through injury, Duncan White suffered a shin fracture a fortnight ago and former skipper Ed Orgee has had to battle for fitness throughout the entire campaign.

Even loan player Will Matthews will not play again this season after picking up a knock with England Sevens.

The signing of Cornwell, a hugely experienced team leader, represents something of a coup for Maynard who said: "We're very excited about signing Mark. It's like signing a Super-14 player because of the experience he has.

"We see this as a major signing. He's played in the top league in the country for ten years, he's also played for England A but he has still got a lot of enthusiasm for playing the game.

"We believe that he is the sort of player that we can build a team around and he will have a very important role to play for us next season, on and off the pitch."

Fly-half Tim Walsh has not been offered another contract for next season. The Australian has been a regular fixture for two years but Maynard said: "It is one of those harsh decisions you have to make.

"Tim has been a model professional for us, but it is time to move on. He has had his problems with place-kicking and there are other options at No 10 that we are exploring."

Walsh is rumoured to have agreed a deal with Bees' National One rivals Newbury, although they have refused to confirm the speculation.

Coventry have announced that front-row forward Rudi Brits is to stay for at least another year, with an option for 2007-08. The South African has played in all three front-row positions since he joined this season and becomes the sixth player to sign up for next season.

In all likelihood, Brits will specialise as a loosehead prop and will not return home this summer because he wants to work with conditioning coach Darren Grewcock.

Brits joins compatriot Hendry Rheeders, Pete Bucknall, Mike Walls, Tom Johnson and new signing Aaron Takarangi as confirmed squad members for September 2006.

Head coach Mike Umaga is looking to bring in Newcastle Falcons' Luke Gross and has opened discussions with the second row who expects to be released after this season. ..SUPL: