Gravesend Rugby Club break new ground on Saturday when they play their first National League game – and with a new coach in charge.

After winning London 1 South last season, Gravesend begin their National League 3 London & South East campaign with a trip to Norfolk to meet North Walsham.

Paul Hathaway, Gravesend’s new head coach following Bob Hussey’s departure to Dover, is setting the bar high for his players in terms of the club’s targets for the season.

The former Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells coach said: "Our aim is not merely to make up numbers in National 3 but to establish ourselves as a serious contender and finish as far up the league as possible – at least in the top five.

"We believe we have the playing strength and ability to compete in this league.

"The reality is that Gravesend are one of the top four clubs in Kent and we intend to prove that this season."

Hathaway said that Gravesend’s success over the past two seasons had made it easier for the club to attract fresh blood during the summer.

The new players include Neville Boyd, Frankie Fenwick-Wilson and Vatu Raratuba, all of whom have played for the Army and are based at Chattenden Barracks near Wainscott.

Gravesend have also brought in two players from Australia who have played at a higher level, Keepa Mewett and Liam Dwyer, and returning to the Rectory Field from university and elsewhere are Will Ballard, Nathan Lines, Chris Anstey, Rory Maddox, Andy Harris and Junior Rocket.

However, two of the club’s regulars from last season’s line-up, Rob Hussey and Dan Abbey, have been lost. Hathaway said: "Their loss will be lessened by the arrival of the new players and having strength in depth is great for the club and the impact will be felt by all our teams."