Harrogate RUFC looking to add strength-in-depth ahead of 2020/21 season

Harrogate RUFC were promoted from the North Premier as 2019/20 runners-up. Picture: Gerard Binks

The Rudding Lane outfit were promoted to English rugby’s fourth tier after finishing 2019/20 as North Premier runners-up.

Aces director of rugby Dave Doherty says he intends to stay loyal to the core of the side that took the club up, but believes that the incoming numbers will help provide vital competition for places at both 1st and 2nd XV level.

“We needed to strengthen, there is a big focus on proving that we deserved our promotion to National Two,” he said.

“We have a pretty settled core of players who have been here for years and most of them are good enough to play regularly in a higher division and do well.

“But, we’ve agreed terms with around a dozen , though none of them have been registered yet.

“These boys will provide that competition for places which will be so important next season. That strength-in-depth will be massive.

“There were games last season where we were missing a number of key players all at the same time and it made things difficult. You can’t get away with that in National Two.

“The competition for places will also bring out the best in all the boys and help to keep any complacency at bay."