HADDINGTON RFC head coach Rhodri Thomas has set his sights on winning promotion to National Division 2 this season.

The Reds finished in fourth place last term, but were some 16 points adrift of second place West of Scotland, who were promoted alongside GHK.

The Welshman, who took over alongside long-time friend Quinton Caulfield a year ago, was pleased with their maiden year at the helm, but hopes for more this year.

He told Courier Sport: "Preparations have been going well for the season ahead, with good numbers at training, and a clear target of gaining promotion this season."

While the Welshman, a teacher, has lofty ambitions for the season ahead, he acknowledges it will be difficult once more, with a host of good teams vying for promotion.

Another difficult trip to Orkney, where the Reds lost last term, and newly-promoted Highland, near Inverness, beckon early in the season, while Thomas and Caulfield will once more tackle St Boswells.

He and assistant Quinton Caulfield regularly came up against the Borders outfit while coaching at North Berwick, but Thomas is aware of the challenge they will face, along with the other promoted sides.

He added: "We're aware of how competitive the league will be this year, especially with Highland, St Boswells and Glasgow Accies winning promotion last year."

Meanwhile, the club's 2nd XV achieved promotion last term, and Thomas is keen to see more competition for places throughout his squad this year.

Thomas added: "Our playing squad is shaping up well and, after the success of our 2nd XV last year, competition for places is going to be tough which will help to drive up standards."

The club's pre-season schedule saw the Reds open with a hard-fought loss to Kelso in the Borders.

They then beat Dunbar 31-7 at Hallhill last week, before travelling to Cumbria on Saturday, where they faced Penrith.

Preston Lodge are the visitors to Neilson Park on Saturday for the final pre-season encounter, before the league action gets under way on September 3.

Thomas added: "We've got a tough start away to St Boswells and we'll be looking to hit the ground running and build some momentum early in the season."

Meanwhile, Colin Stuart has been confirmed as the Reds' captain for the season ahead, with Kris Paterson taking on the vice-captaincy from James Ferguson.