Sheppey Rugby Club head coach Frank Davis (pictured) believes his players will be better equipped for life in Kent 1 this season after being given a reprieve from relegation.

The Island side finished in the relegation places last season but league restructuring means they will remain in Kent 1 - something Davis welcomed despite last season’s on-field problems.

He said: "I’m pleased because it’s the standard of rugby that we should be playing and the difference in Kent 1 is the consistency.

"In Kent 2 we would probably have two or three hard games and the rest would be non-contests. As a coach and a player, what you strive towards is playing at a consistent level and hopefully we can go and build on that platform.

"They players have had that experience now and they’ll know what to expect. We’ve done the hard work last year and now we can reap the benefits."

Sheppey’s pre-season starts on Tuesday, July 14. Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Ditch from 7.30pm and anyone who wants to get involved are welcome to join. Pre-season matches include a triangular tournament with Sittingbourne and Medway and trips to New Ash Green and Charlton Park.