AS a top flight player in the new professional era, Will Green saw a bit of the high life.

Star names, European triumphs, a fleet of black cabs to whisk him and his London Wasps colleagues to a celebration after winning a Twickenham final.

Now Green is the head man in the more modest surrounds of Worthing.

But the challenge is just as big as he aims to keep Raiders competitive and within budget in an increasingly tough division.

The rebranding of National One into the Championship has led to other divisions also undergoing a name change.

Having survived their first season in National Three South, Raiders now find themselves in National Two South.

It is basically the same division, bar the usual promotions and relegations. Which means it is as challenging as ever.

Green, who also propped for England and Leinster, said: “We are under no illusions. It’s going to be a very tough season. We won’t be throwing money about because there isn’t the money there.

“We are a local club who need to survive on local players. We are not a London Scottish or an Ealing.

“The club is run on its own resources, from conference facilities, bar takings and the like.

“It’s very competitive. We are on the South Coast and like any coastal club or business our catchment area is cut in half.”

Green will fit his coaching role around a day job in London, working for a company involved in renewable energy.

He was previously assistant to Ian Davies, who is now forwards coach at Cornish Pirates in the Championship.

Green has brought in a quality coaching team, including former Ireland flanker Kieran Dawson, Cambridge Blue Nick Buoy and fitness guru Pat Fox, who has worked with Wasps, Saracens and Leeds United.

Former Raiders skipper Jody Levett is another valuable member of Green’s off-field team, having now retired from playing.

Raiders, who face Southend tomorrow, have lost a handful of the players who kept them up.

Prop Ryan Storer has followed Davies to Cornwall, Callum Wilson is heading to Esher and Ben Coulson is now with Hove.

Young front row forwards Joe Marler and Micky Pointing have completed loan spells from Harlequins.

Centres Greg Walker, a New Zealander, and Paul Dunkley, previously with Henley, have joined along with Chris Meddings and Sam Hutton from Haywards Heath and Brighton respectively.

Green said: “Our target is to be competitive. We can’t wait to get under way.”