Bournemouth Director Of Rugby Will Croker said the club is reaping the rewards of investing in a strong Seconds team.
A quick look at the the team sheet for the Seconds’ side’s fixture at home to former Premiership giants Richmond will reveal a number of players who have tasted first-team action this season.
Croker paid testament to his coaching team and said the club’s strength in depth allows them to make the first and second sides interchangeable.
Croker said: “When I arrived at the club four years ago, it was noticeable there were only 15 first teamers training - not even a full squad - and seven or eight in the seconds and four or five third team players.
“One of the things which we realised quite quickly was to create competition for places would actually make everybody that much better.
“Now we are in a position where we are running four sides and we watched at training on Thursday night as the firsts went up against the Seconds to the point where you could pick up the entire backs division of the Seconds team and drop it into the first team and see very little dip in terms of quality.”
With the table-topping first team in South West Premier action at home to tenth Cleve tomorrow, Croker says he has lofty ambitions for his talented second string.
The likes of Danny Kirkpatrick, Dan Stewart, Alex Everett-Bolter and Chris Jeffes have all tasted first-team action this season and will run out for the Seconds against Richmond Seconds showing their strength in depth.
Croker added: “The Pilot League last year was not good enough for us and by moving into Zoo Two, we are now playing against teams which are certainly challenging and there is promotion from that league.
“If we could get promotion from that league into Zoo One then we would be the only team outside of National One with a team in Zoo Two - so it is this strength in depth which is driving us.
“If anybody were to come and watch one of our live training sessions and see the commitment, passion and attitude of the players - it is a joy to behold.
“Certainly in my time at Bournemouth it is probably the thing which I am most proud of is the way the coaching team have worked so hard to keep the players happy - to keep them enthused and interested.
“It is now paying dividends because we are able to field some really strong players across the board.”