SINCE returning earlier this year, Bournemouth Rugby’s director of rugby Will Croker has transformed the team’s fortunes on the pitch.

Having most recently guided the club to a record breaking 2018/19 season by winning the South West Premier, the popular coach is now riding high but several leagues lower in the Regional 2 South Central.

“When I returned in May, the club wasn’t in a great state both financially, commercially and from a rugby perspective. There was a number of players leaving and retiring. The local competition had also gotten stronger.” says Croker.

Experience has been critical in the dressing room with many battle-hardened former players pulling on the red and black shirt again.

“We had Sam Hardcastle, Luca Firetto and Joe Rees all coming out of retirement and then bringing in a couple of experienced players like Matt Hall and Callum Mackenzie. It means that we've got a nice blend of that youth and experience. It’s been cathartic to see the way that they've all knitted together.” added Will.

There have been big changes off the field too with investment from new ownership at the club, which has allowed Will and his team to make strong plans.

(Image: Simon Carlton) “Firstly, I think the players appreciate the measures that everybody's put in. It’s the first time they’ve been paid, and we have comprehensive insurance policies in place should they get injured. We’ve also muscled up with our medical provision in terms of bringing in a bigger physiotherapy and sports therapy team with all the latest technology to make sure that we give them the best chance of getting fit. It’s these sorts of environmental changes that I think makes the players feel valued.”

Will believes that the coaching and technical team have also played a huge part in Bournemouth Rugby’s strong start to the season.

“It’s not just me, the whole coaching team have been fantastic. Bringing in Kevin Cottrell as the defence coach was a masterstroke. He’s a complete outsider and so he’s taking a completely fresh approach. Then there’s the return of John Sanchez who was my number two all the way through my last tenure at the club, which has brought an air of familiarity. Dan Connolly has also stayed on as attack coach, so I think the players like this mix.”

The future looks bright, as Will Croker and his team look focused on returning Bournemouth Rugby back to successful ways.

“Coming back felt like an itch I had to scratch. It’s unfinished business and to see all the work that we put in to get to Level 4 come undone. We might be back playing at Level 6, but it feels absolutely the right time to roll my sleeves up and get stuck into it. Bournemouth Rugby has a vision and a far more sustainable financial footing than previously. So, success for us this year is creating the environment where we don’t want to lose and putting the foundations in place to be able to push on over the next few years.”

This Saturday sees a hotly contested away game against local rivals Wimborne.

“This week's game against Wimborne is the first time we've played them in the league since 2006. We've been three leagues higher than them at some points. However, we're in the same league now and for them this is a big moment. It’s an opportunity to come and put one over on Bournemouth, which they’ve not had the chance to do for years.

“Our players are aware of that, and they know that there's going to be a big crowd. We’ve prepared like we would for every game and it's about working together to get to the end of the season.”