Hartpury optimistic they can push into top four

CONFIDENT Hartpury centre Luke Eves says his troops are targeting a top four finish after exceeding expectations in the Championship.

Despite romping through last season’s National One unbeaten, the college outfit had been tipped to struggle. However, Eves says recruiting former Gloucester props Rupert Harden and Dan Murphy is proving a masterstroke.

Eves said: “I always felt we had the attack to trouble teams but we needed to shore things up defensively and in our pack. In recruiting Rupert, Dan and flanker Rob Langley it shows the coaches have got things spot on.

“Everybody thought we’d be whipping boys, so we wanted to nip that in the bud and show we’re a serious team. Relegation never came into our thinking, we’ve always been looking and we’re only two points off fourth place and feel we have the capability to push into that top four.

“We’ve pushed Bristol close, drawn with Yorkshire Carnegie and beaten Doncaster, which was huge, so we’ll be aiming to carry on that good form.”

Former Nottingham flanker Langley has proved a revelation and Eves is backing the 25-year-old to attract top-flight interest.

“Rob’s been our standout player,” Eves said. “He’s a workhorse who’s good at winning turnovers, gets in wide channels, can make breaks and is just a fantastic all-round player.

“He’s really showing his potential and he could be thrown in a Premiership squad and not look out of place. If he keeps on playing how he is, Rob won’t be short of offers.”

At 28, former Bristol and Northampton star Eves admits his Premiership days are over. However, he is delighted to have found a niche at Hartpury where he also coaches the Under 18s.

He added: “I’ve accepted the Premiership has gone for me now and I’ve always had one eye on my longerterm future. I’m enjoying my role with the Under 18s so coaching’s the way I’m going and I’ll see out my playing days here.

“This place is renowned for giving people opportunities and I’m trying to make the most of mine.”