PETERSFIELD Rugby Club’s double-winning head coach, James Alder, is looking to strengthen his senior squad ahead of the club’s foray into the London SW league next season.

Having secured promotion and a cup win in his first season with the club, Alder is not resting on his laurels and is seeking to further develop the senior teams. Moves are already underway to bring further coaching resources into the club and to generally enhance the rugby experience at Penns Place.

The coach has no doubt that Petersfield need more senior players. He said: “The first team exceeded expectations last season and there is no reason why we can’t become a force in the London leagues and continue to develop our other teams through the Hampshire set-up. We recognise we will not be able to do this without a bigger squad, so we’re starting a recruitment campaign ahead of pre-season training.”

Alder is putting his message out to all players, including those that may have drifted away from the game. “We want players of all abilities to join us. All we need from them is the willingness to work with us to improve their fitness and skills and the commitment to turn out for the team throughout the season.”

There are major developments at Penns Place this summer as work starts to radically alter the clubhouse lay-out and provide a large, fully-equipped strength and conditioning gym.

With the addition of a physical training instructor bringing a professional approach, the refurbished facility should help with general levels of fitness of all players, young and old. The gym will also be available to non-playing club members.