Otley have won one of their opening three matches this season

Otley director of rugby Gary Walker says an eventual return to the Championship remains a possibility for the West Yorkshire club.

The club were relegated out of rugby's second tier two years ago amid major financial problems.

"We have a very strong squad here again now," Walker told BBC Radio Leeds.

"If that takes us to higher echelons then we'll be ready for it. I don't think National League One is the level we'll remain at forever."

After two narrow defeats, Otley claimed their first victory of the season against Launceston on Saturday to move them up to eighth after three games.

However, Walker warns that the amount of travelling this season could have an impact on his squad.

"This season we have six overnight stays, so it takes a lot from the guys. Most are not full time and it puts a big demand on them.

"Travelling away on a Friday and not getting back until late Saturday night, then training two or three times a week is a big commitment in National League One, without much support from the RFU.

"The RFU has now cut funding below the Championship," he added.

"So we've had a two-thirds cut in our RFU grants this year, which now means our travelling costs are just about covered by the RFU payments.

"But we have to rely on our sponsors and we are very grateful to them, and I would like to say thank you to them for making the travelling possible."

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