BECKENHAM are looking forward to the new season with renewed optimism and a revamped coaching team.

New head coach Sam Howard, who has considerable playing and coaching experience, has surrounded himself with a good team.

He said: "I plan to continue playing winning rugby and I'm keen to play an exciting and positive brand of rugby and build on Beckenham's strong finish to last season."

His new-look team is Gwyn Hood as forwards coach, Jimmy Richards as set-piece coach and Maurice Greenland as fitness coach.

Gwyn, a long-standing member of Beckenham returns to coaching after a period on the touchline and will bring his strengths as motivator and communicator to the team.

Jimmy, who plays his rugby in the Premiership with Harlequins and is new to coaching, brings a completely new perspective to the set piece.

Meanwhile Maurice will continue to build on the forward play strategies he started during last season.

He said: "I've been impressed by the commitment shown in pre-season.

"Fitness levels are higher than they were last season at this time and the players have made a tremendous effort."

The new coaching team began their pre-season preparation in late June and have seen excellent turn-outs of more than 50 players at every session since.

Club chairman Neil Millan said: "I'm thrilled with Sam's approach since his appointment.

"He has brought an air of professionalism to the club and the players have responded with enthusiasm to him and his whole coaching team.

"Overall I am delighted with the prospect of playing a brand of high quality rugby that befits our superb facilities."

He added: "We are still keen to strengthen the squad and new players are welcome at any time.

"With six senior sides players of any standard are welcome to the delights of Balmoral Avenue."