Rugby club unveils ambitious plans

The proposals, which are dated 2006-2012, aim to improve their William Parker Sports College facilities and the organisation of the club as a whole.

Specific areas targeted include the coaching structure, development of a third generation all-weather pitch, extending the clubhouse and developing the bar area.

Chairman Peter Silk delivered a two-hour talk to the club's committee on Monday evening about a 40 page plus dossier he has compiled with help from various other club officials.

"If we're going to be promoted with the first XV," Silk said, "and be more than a one season wonder in London Four, we've got to be a more commercial outfit. We need to strengthen the finances of the club and make it more of a business than it has been in the past.

"It's a very wide ranging paper and I've had quite good feedback. One or two people were saying 'can we do it?', but I think it's all very feasible. I just think it's the best thing since sliced bread and I'm very optimistic I will get there."

"It sounds really good," added first team captain Kit Claughton, "and I'm very much in favour. We've got to look to build not just the team but the whole club ready for London Four and London Three.

"I think the club is really good and well run, but there's no point in standing still - we've got to be ambitious. There seems to be a lot of energy and enthusiasm. People want it to happen which is quite refreshing."

Silk intends to deliver a presentation to the players after training on Thursday and it will be discussed further in committee meetings towards the end of this and next month.

He expects to hear "in the next two or three weeks" whether the RFU will make funds available for the aforementioned all-weather pitch.

H&B continue to head Sussex Division One after thrashing Seaford 54-0 on their return from the festive break last weekend.