MARTIN RICE has committed his future to Plymouth Albion for another season, Herald Sport can reveal.

Speculation had been rife that the highly-rated Cornish prop would move to the Premiership after a loan spell at London Wasps mid-way through last season.

But the 27-year-old, who joined Albion in February 2005, will be back at Brickfields next season after signing a new contract with Graham Dawe's Championship side.

Rice did miss the last few weeks of last season with a neck injury, but Albion have been told he should be fit for the start of the 2010/11 season on August 28.

Albion's chairman of rugby Graham Dawe said: "Martin had a slight disc problem, but he has had a scan on it and he should be okay by the beginning of August.

"It is settling down now. He just needs a couple of months rest.

"The consultant was pretty confident he will be okay."

Rice has had more than his fair share of injury problems over the years, but he did play a lot of rugby last season.

He made 22 league and cup appearances for Albion last season and also played two games for Wasps — one in the Premiership and one in the European Challenge Cup.

He actually played two games in three days at one point — starting for Wasps on a Thursday evening then playing for Albion on the Saturday.

"Hopefully, he will play as much rugby next season as well," said Dawe.

"But we do have to manage his workload.

"He is a very important player for Plymouth Albion, but he is still developing.

"Props mature at different stages and he is still improving, which is a prerequisite of being at Plymouth Albion.

"He added another string to his bow last season by playing at tight-head.

"He stood in there reluctantly at first, but he ended up enjoying it. By doing that he has increased his stock and his skill set.

"We feel he can develop into a really good tight-head, as well as a good loose-head."

Dawe believes the competition between he and 20-year-old George Porter will benefit both players.

"They are both going to be very competitive about getting that number one shirt," said Dawe.

"But George also can also play tight-head and is learning that role."

Fellow young prop David Morton is also set to return to Albion next season.

But 20-year-old Morton, who made one start and six replacement appearances last term after joining from Bridgwater, will miss the first month of the season as Albion have allowed him to spend the summer playing in Australia.

"David's gone over to Australia to play solidly for four months," said Dawe.

"He is going to come back in September.

"Like any prop he will only improve by playing. If he can get 15 or 20 games under his belt he is going to be a better prop both technically and strength wise.

"Hopefully, it will help him improve."

It is believed Albion are lining a loan deal with a Premiership prop for the start of the season to cover Morton's absence and in case there are any injuries to their other front-rowers.

Albion also look set to sign Launceston's number eight Sam Hocking.

Hocking has been having talks with Albion about moving to Brickfields this summer after having a short loan spell with Graham Dawe's side in January.

The back-row forward (right) has told Launceston that he is leaving Polson Bridge to join Albion, although the deal has not yet officially been completed.

But Albion boss Dawe said: "Hopefully, we will be in a position to make Sam a Championship player."

Meanwhile, the Championship fixtures should be announced in the next 48 hours.

The clubs met on Tuesday to finalise their calendar.

Herald Sport understands that the draft fixture list had Albion opening their season with an away at Moseley on August 28, followed by a home game against former Premiership side Worcester the following week.