RICHMOND’S Championship campaign next season will be a throwback to rugby’s amateur days and skipper Will Warden says that is the way the players want it.

Saturday’s 33-29 win at Hartpury College secured the National Division One title with two games to spare to return the club to the game’s professional ranks for the first time since the Athletic Ground outfit went into administration in 1999 and dropped out of the top flight.

Director of rugby Steve Hill’s men have done it in style – losing just three games so far this term – and with a team spirit that will see them resist the temptation to become full-time professionals next term.

While many anticipate Richmond will find life tough next term as they stay true to their part-time values, Warden says they would not want it any other way.

“On the face of it, moving into the Championship is a bit daunting because you will be coming up against seasoned full-time professionals,” he said.

“The players and the club do not see this as a business opportunity. The club is not just going to throw money at the situation," he said.

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“If we are going to do this we are going to do it together – even if it means getting slaughtered every week – because the reason we keep coming back to the club is the team spirit and club ethos we have. It has got us this far.

“Everyone has other jobs and that is your primary goal, but that is no reason to leave the club. We want players to commit as much as they can, as they have done this season.”

Wimbledon Times:

Happy days: Richmond celebrate their title triumph after the win at Hartpury College

Tries from Charlie Broughton, Sam Stuart, Jamie Thompson and Tom Sargeant secured a bonus point on Saturday, while Rob Kirby kicked 11 points and Rory Lynn kicked two as Richmond secured promotion.

“After the game everyone was knackered and pretty shocked, to be honest,” added Warden, described as a true Richmond great by Hill.

“Then it sank in and everyone was over the moon. There were quite a few supporters there and they were so pleased for us. Given the history of the club it means a lot to the players and to the whole club to win this league.”

Richmond host Rosslyn Park tomorrow and Plymouth Albion the following week to bring the curtain down on a memorable campaign.

Warden said: “Every game you play you go into it wanting to win. That is how we'll approach out last two games.”