BASINGSTOKE RFC director of rugby James Croker has pulled off another transfer coup by persuading Karl Buttle to rejoin the club.

The winger began his career at Down Grange before moving to National League outfit Esher in 2008 – but he has returned to his hometown club and will doubtless be a key player in ’Stoke’s 2012-13 London One South campaign.

Croker said: “I’m sure everyone will be delighted to see Karl return. He’s a fabulous player who is exciting to watch and has a good skillset.

“He has been away and played at a higher level so he can offer us a lot. He is quick and scored a lot of tries here early in his career, so hopefully there are more to come.”

Basingstoke’s scoring power will be further increased by the addition of former Tadley winger Gavin Dampies who has spent the last few seasons at Reading Abbey, while Croker has also brought prop Matt Oliver back to the club.

“I’m really chuffed because bringing them in gives us more strength in depth and they are all local lads, which is important to us,” Croker added. “Training is going well. The numbers have been good and the lads are applying themselves.”

The trio join Jack Parsons, Guy Wilkinson, Matt Goggins, Jamie Folan and Michael West as new additions to the squad, which is expected to challenge for promotion next season.