Director of rugby Steve Hill reckons his Richmond men will face an even tougher test next season after finishing seventh in National Division One this time.

Richmond closed the campaign with a 66-41 win over Macclesfield thanks largely to hat-tricks from Jamie Thompson and Jordan Burns.

“The standard of the opposition has without doubt risen,” said Hill.

“Credit goes to captain Will Warden and all the other players for achieving seventh place for the second year running in an incredibly competitive league.

“Our success has been based on a whole club mentality that values playing for this club for the right reasons.

“Teams with much larger playing budgets sit below us at seasons end.

“The challenge will be greater next season, but it is one we are eager to meet.”