Ali Bennett says Bournemouth must unearth more ‘hidden gems’ for their assault on the fourth level of English rugby next season.
Director Of Rugby Will Croker has a habit of discovering talented local players after seeing the likes of lock Harry Leadbeater flourish this year.
Bennett himself was another who made the step up to Dorset’s highest ranked rugby club, and the back rower says they may not have to cast their net too far or wide.
The back rower said: “There are a lot of us who have made the step up from other local clubs, which just goes to show that there must be guys at other teams who can make the step up too.
“Harry Leadbeater did it from an even lower level then I did and he has been just great for us this season.
“He has come in and just wanted to improve so much and it is great and he has really imbedded himself as a part of the team.
“You felt he was a bit nervous to start with, but now he has just relaxed and just feels part of the team which is great.”
Bennett made the step up himself in 2016, when he joined the Chapel Gate men from County neighbours Ellingham and Ringwood - alongside close friend Dan Stewart.
Both have coped with the adjustment well, with Bennett in particular showing his versatility this year by playing all three slots in the Bournemouth back row.
Therefore, the flanker has some words of advice for any potential new recruits.
He added: “It was definitely a huge step up between the clubs for me and it went from being one of the senior guys at Ellingham and Ringwood to being just one of the new guys at Bournemouth.
“Instead of having guys look at you and going ‘oh what are we doing here?’ to looking up to some of those guys who have got all of those caps for Bournemouth and going ‘oh hang on what am I doing here?’
“So it was a case of going from the person who was used to explaining things - to being the person who needed things explained to them.”