WITH their place in National Three North secured Ilkley can start planning for next season.

Last Saturday's 27-13 home win over Rossendale, their first at Stacks Field since October, sees them holding down eighth position.

"It's a nice position to be in knowing we have consolidated our place at National League level after our promotions of the previous two seasons," said head of rugby Rhys Morgan.

"With players retiring at the end of last season and others leaving during the current campaign, it has been a time of change.

"It says much for the squad that they have adapted well to playing at a higher level. The aim now is build for next season.

"Now that we know which league we are in it makes the business of talking to potential new players a lot easier."

One of the priorities for Morgan will be to strengthen the pack, especially as second row James Spencer has indicated his intention to retire.

He will be seeking to bring in cover in the front and second rows. He added: "I am sure props Dan Lawrence and Josh Cockerham can't wait for a break. They have been having to play 80 minutes regularly."

Ilkley will be forced to make one change in the back row for Saturday's trip to Firwood Waterloo. Gus Ramsay is unavailable but Nick Carolan is available again."