Harvey Biljon has laid out the blueprint for what he wants a Rotherham Titans player to look like on their return to English rugby’s second tier.

The South African – who has taken the Titans on a two-promotion joyride from National Two North back to Champ Rugby over the last three seasons – wants young, hungry and determined players ready to play their part in continuing that journey.

Save for the odd bit of Champ experience here and there, Biljon has no interest in spending money the club can ill-afford to waste on players with so-called know-how of a division that likes to call itself the ‘proving ground’ for the Prem.

“We want players who are going to push, drive and bring something to the group,” Biljon told The Yorkshire Post.

The next step: Six weeks ago the players and fans of Rotherham Titans celebrate becoming National One champions but will soon be reporting for training preparing for the Champ.

placeholder image — The next step: Six weeks ago the players and fans of Rotherham Titans celebrate becoming National One champions but will soon be reporting for training preparing for the Champ.

“Anyone who comes in needs to contribute to a winning squad.”

Biljon did not spend too long celebrating Rotherham’s promotion from National One, clinched under glorious sunshine at their Clifton Lane fortress back on April 25.

Planning for next season had begun well in advance of that landmark day but with the National One trophy now taking pride of place in the clubhouse he has been accelerating plans for the next challenge.

By the time he returns to Rotherham in a fortnight with the players due in for pre-season training the week commencing June 29, he wants a squad of roughly 40 players (20+ forwards, shade under 20 backs) all ready to buy into his methods.

Rotherham Titans players celebrate a second promotion in three years.

And for any fans who grew fond of some of the stars of last season, Biljon warns there will be changes.

“When we went from National Two to National One we made changes, then both seasons in National One we did that,” he explained. “So we are going to have to be a stronger team again.”

Expanding on the type of player he wants, Biljon added: “Our policy hasn’t changed going right back to National Two North; we would look for an age demographic and players with the athletic ability to go on this journey with us, because we believe those players can grow with us into becoming good Champ players.

“Yes we have some players with Champ experience, but on the whole we are trying to develop and challenge as many of our young players as we can.

“There’s a couple of 21/22-year-olds at the back end of our time in National Two who are now 24/25 and coming into the Champ with us. That’s a whole different challenge for them and one they can build towards.”

Biljon was not ready to name names yet on new recruits or those that have been thanked for their services, choosing to announce those to the fans at a Titans Tuesday event later this month, but said they were doing “okay in that space”.

Despite moving up into a more competitive division, one in which a handful of clubs operate full-time models, Biljon and Rotherham are determined not to stretch themselves.

Resources dictate that they must stay as a semi-pro, part-time club, which has so far proven to be a success under Biljon – who four seasons ago won the second tier with Jersey Reds.

He does admit there will be tweaks to a routine he is meticulous in planning, but any changes – as is his style – will be planned out and communicated to the players well in advance.

Biljon added: “You want players that want to be at Rotherham, you want players that – while we’re in a semi-pro environment – are like-minded that want to put in the work when they’re at training with us but also make sure they prepare themselves when they’re not with us.

“You need a pretty dedicated individual who finds time for his weights’ work, finds time for his employment, and also finds time to maximise his training with us.

“The model won’t be exactly the same as what it was through National One.

“We listened to the players; they give up 26 Saturdays through the whole season, so through pre-season most teams would train Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturday mornings.

“We’re going to give the players their weekends off (games aside) through pre-season and we’re actually going to train Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

“What I will do is maximise the training, manage the load but also giving our players a balance.

“The Champ is a tough competition, what we will make sure we do is we’ll put a plan in place so we’re pro-active rather than reactive. We stick to our plan so the players know what’s going on. Players then have a clear outline of what we are.”