Barnes, who missed out on London Division One rugby the same day they lost player coach Carson Russell and back row star Buster White, writes Stuart Amos.

The veteran pair - who inspired the London Division Two side to successive promotions in the last two seasons - brought to an end illustrious playing careers on Saturday after defeat at Cambridge in the end-of-season promotion play-offs.

Speaking after his side's narrow 21-19 defeat, Barnes chairman Neil Hay said: "The club have been indebted to both Carson and Buster and over the last three years their contribution has been tremendous. They have given the side a more professional outlook and approach since they have been with us and will leave the team in a strong position to move forward."

White, 38, who made 116 appearances for Premiership outfit Wasps and played for Richmond-based London Welsh - will take a coaching role at the Barn Elms club after more than two decades as a player.

The former Barbarian will be charged with maintaining the forward dominance that Barnes supporters have come to expect, as they look to clinch automatic promotion to London One at the second attempt.

Ex-London Scottish player Russell will take up the coaching role at Rosslyn Park.

But the club were boosted with the news that they have secured the signature of fly-half Morgan Davis from National Division Two side Newbury.

It was a crushing defeat for Barnes who just lost out by seven yards. With the last kick of the match Barnes centre Paul Farmer, who had a tremendous game, fell narrowly short with a penalty from his own half, which saw Cambridge win the dramatic end-of season climax.

Yet Barnes played a full part in an exciting match and it proved crucial that the officials overlooked what appeared to be a forward pass leading to Cambridge's second try.

Barnes scorers: tries - Farmer; cons - Farmer; pens Farmer 4.

Barnes squad: Farmer, Leigh, Springhall, Bracey ( c ), Lewis, Russell, Wright, Roles, McLaughlin, White, Grimes, Byrne, North, Tucker, Clarke, Roome, Cockle, Griffith.

Richmond & Twickenham Times.