Schmid searching for a new prop star for Esher (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Schmid searching for a new prop star for Esher

12:32pm Thursday 25th August 2011 in Esher By Stuart Amos

Director of rugby Mike Schmid has put a new prop top of his shopping list after seeing front rows Will Collier and Dave Millard ruled out for the start of the season.

Harlequins loan star and England U20 international Collier will be sidelined for up to three months after having surgery on the shoulder injury he picked up in France, while Millard is scheduled for a neck operation this week.

Former Quins centre Tom Cheeseman is also out for a month with knee ligament damage suffered against his former club last week.

Schmid will field as strong a side as possible at Championship rivals London Scottish on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly and the rugby director remains upbeat.

He said: “We’ve got a few injuries, but you’re always going to get that and we’re looking to bring in another prop. We are talking to two this week,” he said.

“The guys that have come in have been fantastic with a great work ethic and we’re happy with where we are.”

Esher start the season at Plymouth Albion on September 3.