NEGOTIATIONS have been taking place this week between Basingstoke senior rugby coach Jim Dixon and prime playing targets he is pursuing.

Dixon said: "The key areas we need to fill are tighthead prop, goal-kicker and centre, because we've lost Neil Young, Ian Calder and Murray Roeske in those positions.

"I've been in talks this week with three guys who fit the bill - a good prop, a quality goal-kicker and big centre.

"There are other clubs who will be interested in them, which is why I'm not naming names, but I'm hopeful we will get them to sign for 'Stoke."

Dixon also revealed the club held second interviews last Friday for the community coaching position he vacated in May when appointed senior coach.

The candidates have been whittled down to a final two, one of whom is an Australian.

Dixon said: "We are hoping to make a final decision very soon.

"Myself, the RFU's regional development officer and Paul Kember, head of sport at Brighton Hill Community College, are meeting to discuss the appointment."

Dixon is also working hard preparing the club's pre-season programme, which will start on June 15.

In the meantime, light summer training sessions are being well attended, he said.

The annual rugby sevens tournament held at Down Grange last Saturday saw 15 teams competing.

The 'Stoke team went out in the pool stages and the London Welsh team were overall winners.

Dixon said: "The boys really enjoyed it, as it was a bit of a laugh. Our pool only had three teams, but we did okay overall.

"The later games were excellent to watch and it was a good day for the club."