IT has been a difficult start to the season for Blackheath, emphasised by Saturday's crushing defeat at Cambridge.

But despite only one win from five starts, Yusuf Ibrahim remains optimistic about Club's future.

“We always knew this season was going to be tougher than last” explained Blackheath’s director of rugby.

“The cut in central (RFU) funding has meant a 30 percent reduction in our playing budget, while the change in the league structure has meant we’re competing against some ambitious clubs with big finances behind them.”

The upshot is Blackheath has had to cut its cloth, restructure its business model and instead of bringing in experienced players - as with Liam Wordley and Will Matthews last term – it has committed to investing in youth development.

Ibrahim said: “Our development structure has been hugely successful in recent years and there’s now a wealth of talent coming through the club which we’re keen to encourage.

“Last year we saw Jack Knight play a major role in the first XV and by the end of the season Steve Hamilton and Tom White were first team regulars at the age of 19.

“Unfortunately, Steve is injured at the moment and Tom has not been fully fit either, but you only have to look back to the match against the Barbarians to remember what fantastic talents they both are.”

Other teenagers currently breaking into the first XV include Billy Sandison, Trueman Sullivan, Paul Humphries and, of course, Danny Caprice, who scored six tries in just three outings for Club last term and is now close to full fitness.

Ibrahim added: “At 18 and 19 respectively, Luke Baldwin and Henry Staff are potential Premiership players of the future.

“James Tirrell has already demonstrated his attacking flair and don't forget although we've seen a lot of James Catt, Ben Ibrahim and Jonnie Williams, these guys are only around 21.

“Others, such as Pete Squires, Lee Covington, Jabba Hanson, Albertos Gava and Mark Davey (currently playing in France) will all graduate to the first XV at some point.

“Apart from two we’ve brought in, they’re all home-grown, Kent-based players.

“If we can support, mentor and not let them drift away, they will be the foundation for the future but this is a long term plan and we have to be patient.

“There are no hiding places in National League One and some of these guys are getting a rude awakening, but there's no substitute for learning on the job in a high risk environment.

“It's a challenge that players and managers are up for and will certainly rise to and we're determined to give it 100 percent.”

To use a quotation flagged up by Jonnie Williams recently: “Sport doesn't build character, it reveals character.”

The best sides though are built on a blend of youth and experience and Blackheath has a hard-core of experienced men, but this latter area has been beset by injury.

The loss of Joe Bonner to a major knee injury during the summer months was a setback, and Tom Bason and Richard Windsor were late starters.

Ibrahim said: “I’m not making excuses but when you lose players of the calibre of Dave Allen and Richard Lankshear, you don’t just miss their technical ability but also their depth of knowledge and nous”.

But the future is all about youth.

If anyone's in any doubt about Blackheath's ability to develop young players, you only have to think back two seasons to when Rob Webber and Joe Simpson were at Rectory Field.

Both are now regular Wasps players and the latter is close to England selection.

Ibrahim said: “I know it’s been a frustrating time on the terraces, but I'd really urge people to get out and support us this Saturday against Launceston.

“If everyone can get behind what we’re doing the confidence will come, the results will follow and we’ll all be part of a very bright future with us playing attractive winning rugby.”

Blackheath entertain Launceston on Saturday at rectory Field, kick-off 3pm.