THOUGHTS have already turned to next season for Stowmarket head coach Gavin Hogg.

THOUGHTS have already turned to next season for Stowmarket head coach Gavin Hogg.

While the club are in the midst of a promotion battle in Eastern Counties One, Hogg has started to shape in his mind how he wants his side to look for the next campaign.

“I'm here for another year and we are looking to bring in a couple more players for next season,” said Hogg, whose side have really caught the eye in his first season in charge.

“I would like to try to bring in another couple of players from overseas and if they can make the same kind of impact that Steve (Fenemor) has then we'll be happy.

“I've got a few people to talk to in New Zealand from spending some time out there teaching and we will see if one or two players fancy coming over here and playing.”

Using Hogg's contacts in New Zealand, Stowmarket are looking to set up an exchange programme which would see one of their players head across to the other side of the world and play rugby.

Fenemor came across to England last summer and has played a key role in the club's rise up the league table but Hogg admitted he will have to plan for life without the 19-year-old next season.

“I would like to try and keep him but I think he wants to try playing at a higher level and we will wish him the best of luck.

“He has been great for us. We like to play an open style of rugby and I think that has really suited him.

“If we could get players of his calibre in then it will stand us in good stead.”

Of course, Hogg has other business to attend to before he starts recruiting for next season, most notably which division Stowmarket will be plying their trade in next season.

With Newmarket set to be promoted as champions, Stowmarket are likely to face a play-off against Dagenham or West Norfolk to secure a place in London Three North East.

“We've still got our sights set on promotion but it's looking like that it will be through the play-offs now,” admitted Hogg, who scored two tries in the club's win against Thetford last Saturday.

“The aim for us has to be to go unbeaten for the rest of the season - if we can achieve that then we will go up.”