A TOP five finish is achievable for Penryn next season - according to coach Dave Thomas.

The former Cornwall senior side chief has returned to Borough alongside Paul Trevaskis to act as head coaches for the 2015/16 Western Counties West campaign.

Pre-season training has begun at the Memorial Ground following a players' meeting, where it was confirmed George Jones will continue to captain the side despite rumours he would be on the move.

It was also announced Martin Strick and Gareth Tedstone are going to be part of the coaching team, with Royal Navy rugby star Dave Pascoe also helping with training until Christmas.

Speaking to the Packet, Thomas, better known in the Cornish rugby community by his nickname "Benji", said the feel at the club is positive, adding he believes there is the talent and desire to push for the top end of the league table.

Thomas said: "We would really like to finish in the top five next season.

"Obviously it is going to be very difficult because there are no easy games in the league and it is probably going to be even more competitive next year with five Cornish sides in there, giving us plenty of derbies.

"But that's what we're looking at and during the players' meeting, Paul told the players that they either have to buy into the idea or not, and they are.

"Overall the meeting went well and at our first training session we had 25 players there, which is good, so it is looking promising for next season so far."

He went onto say having flanker Jones in the squad will be a big boost for Penryn.

The 26-year-old played a pivotal role in Cornwall's County Championship winning campaign, playing in all four games including the final against Lancashire at Twickenham.

Since the historic victory in May, Jones has been on the sidelines after having an operation on his knee, but the club captain is expected to be fit to start the season in September.

"George is a really well respected player at our club," Thomas said.

"That respect will only grow after his time with Cornwall.

"There had been a lot of rumours as you'd expect about him going here, there and everywhere, but he has decided to stay with Penryn and wants to get in that Cornwall jersey again.

"I think it is great for the club that he has stayed and I'm sure some of the other players here who want to play for Cornwall will look at him as proof you can play for Penryn and earn a call up."

Thomas added a decision on who will be the club's vice-captain next season is set to made in the next couple of weeks.