Pete Davies says Henley Hawks have used promotion to their advantage in attracting new players, rather than dig deep into their pockets.

The newly promoted National League 1 club have signed centres Jack Bradford and Johnny Williams, half backs Theo Brophy Clews and Jack Donovan, full back Elliott Cox and hooker Tom Emery.

They join 20 of last year’s National League Two South winning squad, who were retained at the end of April.

Head coach Davies believes Henley have one of the lowest budgets in the third tier of English rugby, but he does not think that will hold his side back.

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“I would be surprised if we were not bottom (with regard to the budget), I would be very surprised,” he said.

“All the players we have spoken to have been offered money elsewhere.

“We have to sell the fact that we are in National 1, players get quality coaching, strength and conditioning and medical provision.”

Davies added: “Players are coming to a proper community-orientated family club run by the members and with a good ethos and vibe.

“They have that emotional investment and the result is we are more successful on the field than we should be.

“We massively punch above our weight in terms of our budget and we are really proud of that.”