BASINGSTOKE'S pack has taken a huge hit after influential prop Neil Young decided to join Reading.
Young's departure follows the retirements of fellow front row men Steve Hobden and Steve Buttle - although they are staying on at Down Grange to help with coaching.
The loss of such an experienced trio means senior coach Jim Dixon is focusing on the front row as he plots his summer recruitment drive.
He said: "Nellie going is a big loss but he's said he will probably come back if he's not playing in the Reading first team.
"I am looking hard for players at the moment and we do need to get players closer to home here at the club.
"But I'm realistic. There are positions where we will need extra quality and it won't matter if they are filled by players from further away."
Young's return from nearby Newbury in the final stages of 'Stoke's division three south season helped galvanise the pack.
But, with the club's relegation from rugby's national league, Young is keen to ply his trade at a higher level.
The 27-year-old fireman said: "Basingstoke is my club and I think I will definitely end my career here, but Reading have been after me for about two years and I want to play in national two.
"I think I've got about four years left in me to play national rugby before my body has taken all it can, and I want to play at the highest level I can in that time."
Dixon said that he was "really happy" that Hobden and Buttle were maintaining their links with the club and helping with training.
He said that Steve Collins, who missed last season with a broken leg and was rumoured to be calling time on his 'Stoke career, is set to play on.
Dixon said: "He's recuperating and I'm hopeful he will be a starter when the season begins."
Over the past month, the club have been staging interviews for the vacant community coaching role and have whittled down the candidates to a select three.
Dixon said: "All of the final guys are very enthusiastic because it is a good opportunity for them to build a career in coaching.
"Two of the guys are having a practical training test at Brighton Hill Community College with the kids next Friday, while the guy in Australia is videoing one of his sessions and sending it to us. We hope to have someone in place by June."
Basingstoke are hosting the Canterbury Cup Sevens tournament on Saturday May 22 (11am). Teams from London Welsh, Newbury, Basingstoke, London Kiwis, Richmond and Westcombe Park are taking part.
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