London's calling Fylde RFC for one last time

High-flying Matt Garrod has been laid low by tonsillitis

The club’s relegation will finally be confirmed if they lose at Blackheath this weekend or if either Hull Ionians or Loughborough Students pick up maximum points.

Fylde’s remaining six games in National One include four long-distance away trips of the kind they will avoid next season in the regionalised fourth tier of English rugby union.

Spragg accepts a season in National Two North could have benefits for the club but he certainly doesn’t want his players looking at relegation that way.

He told The Gazette: “As a player it should be not be your outlook to view a match in London as an inconvenience.

“I know there are players who do feel like that but I would question their motivation

“A long day travelling is a sacrifice you have to make because you love the game and because you have ambitions in the game.

“Being realistic, more games against local teams next season should mean more away support and could help the community department to develop even further.

“It could generate success for all areas of the club, which will mean we are stronger and more sustainable for National One this time next year.

“But being in National Two should not satisfy the ambition of the players. That’s not what this club is about.”

Fifth-placed Blackheath, who won 26-19 at Fylde in November, edged out Esher by one point in their last match three weeks ago.

Spragg added: “We will keep pushing on and trying to improve to get results this season, but I’m very much focusing on the long-term picture.”

Fylde have lost ther services of forward Matt Garrod for tomorrow’s game due to tonsillitis.