Doncaster Phoenix begin preparations for National Three North

The Castle Park club are preparing to play in the fifth tier of English rugby union for the first time after winning successive promotions.

Head coach Ants Posa worked in National Three North with Beverley prior to joining Phoenix, and knows exactly what to expect.

“Stating the obvious, it is a very tough league, there are no easy games and we will really need to earn every win,” said Posa.

“If we were completely honest with ourselves there were games last season when we didn’t play that well but still won and I don’t think that will be the case at all this year.

“We will set our standards high but it is a very tough competition, there are some big sides with very serious recruitment plans but we just need to get to that level and get there as quickly as possible.

“It’s the highest standard that Phoenix have ever played but that was the case last year and we rose to the challenge so we are hoping to do the same again.

“We are really excited for another season full of big challenges but our aim, as it always has been, is to cement that rugby pathway and make it as transparent as possible for everybody who wants to develop their rugby at Castle Park.”

Phoenix return to pre-season training at Hill House School on Tuesday.

Former mini-junior Sam Bottomley, whose father played for Doncaster, has signed for Phoenix from Harrogate.