Richmond can handle National One (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Richmond can handle National One

5:16pm Friday 11th May 2012 in Richmond By Stuart Amos

Director of rugby Steve Hill will give his National Division Two South promotion winners the chance to prove they can cut it in National Division One next season.

Hill’s men, who finished the campaign second in the table, earned their elevation with a 20-15 extra-time win over Caldy at the Athletic Ground on Saturday.

The visitors played with 14 men for more than an hour after a dangerous tackle on Will Browne, pictured right, and it took Richmond until the second half of extra-time to secure the win.

But Hill will resist the need for wholesale changes as they prepare for the step up.

“There are many people in the squad with the talent and potential to play in National One and I’m excited about taking this group of players to that level,” he said.

“Some people have been in touch about playing for us next year, but I’m not looking to bring huge numbers in.

“We’ll enjoy the promotion now, but the work starts in three weeks.”