Hooker Josh the latest to join Raiders

Elliott began his career with the University of Bath and worked his way through their youth set-up before moving on to Ealing Trailfinders.

The hooker has represented England at both under-16 and under-18 level and Dawson is delighted to have him on board for the upcoming campaign.

He said: “Hooker is a position we are already strong in but Josh will provide some much-needed experience in that area.

“Josh has been at Ealing and was at Bath so, hopefully, he will bring that know-how to the side.

“He played with Ryan Storer last year at Ealing so they will know each other and link-up here with us.”

Despite already sealing deals for Storer, Elliott and four loan players from Harlequins, Dawson is still looking to bring in more recruits.

He added: “We are still waiting on deals for a few more guys. A lot of players are away on holidays at the moment or unsure on their universities, so we are holding out for a few more players.”

Raiders were relegated from National 1 last campaign and Dawson is targeting an immediate return to the third tier of English rugby.

He said: “We have to aim to get out of the division next year.

“It is not going to be easy as a lot of the teams will be out to beat us following last year’s relegation but, hopefully, we can overcome that and get promotion come the end of the season.”

Worthing host Tonbridge Juddians in their first pre-season friendly on August 16 with a 3pm kick-off, before they entertain Richmond the following weekend, with a 2.15pm start.

The league season begins on September 6, with Old Eltamians the visitors to Roundstone Lane.