New recruits drafted in
Portsmouth are hoping a southern hemisphere flavour and a blend of youth will be the key to a successful season back in London division one.
The club, who were relegated at the end of last season, have recruited Aussie outside-half Mitch Graham and Kiwi full-back Ben Whiteley to play alongside their young squad.
Both are expected to make their debut in the opening game against Haywards Heath at Rugby Camp tomorrow.
Coach Ian Chandler believes relegation from the National Leagues could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
The city club realised towards the end of the campaign that they were struggling to compete with the bigger spending teams like Jersey.
Now Chandler is preparing his side for life in London division one south and is excited by the prospect of developing his young team ready to return to National rugby in the near future.
'We decided towards the end of last season to re-focus and concentrate on giving our youngsters an opportunity,' said Chandler.
'We went to North Walsham and battled to a terrific draw and that just raised our expectations.
'Of the 18 players involved, 14 of them had come through our colts in the last two or three years.
'The aim now is to consolidate at this level for one or two seasons and grow the squad so that they develop together. Because a lot of the players have come through the ranks together there is a great team spirit.
'We have always taken great pride in our youth set-up at the club and the youngsters coming through have given us all a boost.
'I have been coaching here for 10 years and to see the attitude of these youngsters and their willingness to learn is a tonic to all of us. The whole club has been given a positive lift.
'We have lost a few senior players but no-one we didn't want to, while some other players have turned down financial offers from other clubs which can only mean we must be doing something right.'
Chandler believes his team will be able to more than hold their own, although the club recognise the youngsters alone would not be enough.
Financially, though, the club are not prepared to break the bank to chase success.
'We look upon ourselves as custodians of this great club which has been around for nearly 125 years,' said Chandler.
'Our duty is to make sure that it continues and we have all seen the problems some clubs have got themselves into by spending too much money.
'You just have to look at the likes of Richmond, Camberley and Winchester who when the money dried up, a lot of the players left.
'On Sunday morning we have more than 300 kids here playing rugby and that is important to us.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
