Head coach Alex Codling says circumstances mean Rosslyn Park could claim that elusive top spot in National League One next season.

The former Harlequins lock, who leaves the Rock at the end of this season for a position in the professional Irish game, takes his side to leaders Ealing Trailfinders knowing defeat will end any slim hope of winning the title this time round.

Even if Park overcome the full-timers and claim a bonus point, they must overcome Coventry in the final game and hope Loughborough do a job on Ealing.

Codling said: “It’s a derby match and the lads are looking forward to it.

“But the league has gone, as it has been most of the season. Ealing are a different animal to all the other teams in this league in terms of resources and structure.

“It was important to us to do what we did last season in finishing second and we’ve done that.”

He added: “Things could be different next season as the teams coming down from the Championship are on more of a level playing field with Park.

“If Park can maintain what they have achieved over the past two seasons, then it’s there for the taking.”

Codling’s decision to leave Park was not planned, but he would not reveal details of his new employers or role just yet.

He said: “It’s a position in Ireland, but they are announcing it in a couple of weeks and I want to leave it to them.

“I was not actively looking for a new challenge, it just came along and I could not turn it down.

“I’ve had two great years at Park, it’s a great place with a a great set of lads.”

Park saw off the challenge of Tynedale last weekend, winning 38-20 at the Rock thanks to tries from Hugo Ellis (two), Dave Vincent, Luke Carter, Tom Baldwin and Mark Ireland, and four Scott Sneddon conversions.

The scoreline saw Tynedale relegated out of National One for the first time in their history.

Codling said: “It was great to get another bonus point win on Saturday, and we deserved it too.

“A huge amount of credit must go to Tynedale who threw everything at us.

“They are a great club and will hopefully be back in National One soon.”

Codling is without James English (shoulder) and Dante Mama (achilles) for this weekend’s clash.