WILL Croker has urged his Bournemouth players to stake a claim to be a part of his plans next season.

With Lions comfortable in mid-table and just three games remaining of the National Three South West campaign, Croker is already looking ahead.

And the Chapel Gate head coach has challenged those under his charge to ensure they are at the forefront of his thinking when it comes to 2016-17.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's home clash with lowly Newton Abbot (2.30pm), Croker told the Daily Echo: "It's more important to see where you are after the last game of the season rather than after the first.

"What we have always tried to reiterate is that as a coaching team we came in with no expectations and said to everyone that they had a clean slate.

"We have a lot of guys in the squad this weekend that have played the bulk of the season in the seconds and that shows a real development.

"The players are fully aware we are going to try and recruit in the summer.

"We've got to plug a few gaps so this is their opportunity to put their hands up so that when we come to pre-season, they are already in the box seat."

Lions will be without unavailable duo Pat Fraser and Ben Flett for the visit of Newton Abbot but Ben Allman will return at hooker and Joe Rees at openside.

Discussing Bournemouth's opponents, Croker continued: "Newton Abbot are third-bottom and fighting for their lives.

"We had a really tight game at their place in which we came out the victors but they were a really good team and we were really surprised to see them in the position they were in.

"Old Centralians have put a good run of results together which has thrown Newton Abbot right into the mix. They have Old Cents at home on the last game of the season so they know they have to have got within a win of them by then.

"Their director of rugby said they had to win one of their away games where people don't give them much hope and they probably view us as a mid-table side that haven't got much a huge amount to play for.

"We have to expect them to be all guns blazing but also safe in the knowledge that we are a good team at home.

"After last Saturday's victory over Brixham we should have the energy, enthusiasm and confidence of a team that's winning.

"If we can finish the season strongly it sends us into the break and pre-season full of confidence and ready to kick on."