Kells have just missed out on a return to the Premier Division of the National Conference League.
Featherstone Lions and Underbank Rangers had decided to opt out from the top flight ahead of the 2022 season.
Leigh Miners Rangers and Thornhill Trojans were invited to take their places, while Kells were put on stand-by.
There was apparently some hesitation on Thornhill’s part but they did accept in the end meaning Kells will stay in Division One.
Director of rugby Peter Smith said: “We are in transition with a good number of young players but if the opportunity had arisen whereby we could go back into the Premier Division we would have taken it.
“Our local rivals Wath Brow and Egremont are there so that would have been four derby games which are always good.
“But it didn’t happen and we will now try and consolidate with our young lads in Division One.”
At the moment, however, Kells don’t have a coach after Stephen Kirkbride accepted the chance to work as number two under Jonty Gorley at Whitehaven.
“We have talked to two potential candidates but both have turned us down so the search goes on,” said Smith.
The National Conference League season is due to start on March 5.
