115 replies to this topic

[bowes]

I can think of 2 that will probably join next year but no idea about the other 2 (unless any Championship 1 clubs want reserves but doubt it with the U20s)

Edited by bowes, 18 January 2013 - 02:37 PM.

[brooza]

I can think of 2 that will probably join next year but no idea about the other 2.

I'm aware of 3 but can only remember the name of 1

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

Coventry Bears (Community Side)
Bedford Tigers
Telford Raiders
Eastern Rhinos
Medway Dragons
Hemel Stags (Community Side)
A side from Gloucestershire
A side from Oxford
London Skolars (Community Side)

Can all probably be working towards membership in the short to medium term if they have a desire to play a March to October season, particularly where Junior Development is filling up their men's team ranks more and more.

[West Country Eagle]

Guessing fringe pro players would have to be sent to Bristol (if they agree) as West of England would be too low a standard?

Maybe - you'll have to wait and see

[bowes]

Coventry Bears (Community Side)
Bedford Tigers
Telford Raiders
Eastern Rhinos
Medway Dragons
Hemel Stags (Community Side)
A side from Gloucestershire
A side from Oxford
London Skolars (Community Side)

Can all probably be working towards membership in the short to medium term if they have a desire to play a March to October season, particularly where Junior Development is filling up their men's team ranks more and more.

Hammersmith? Or would the lack of juniors keep them out?

Elmbridge or Southampton maybe long term bets as well.

Eastern Rhinos look the closest out of that list, perhaps along with the pro clubs (once they've run U20 for a few seasons?)

[Methven Hornet]

A bit short of numbers but very encouraging nonetheless. I really hope these clubs are sustainable at this level, and don't succumb to the great folding virus. To add to the 'Southern League' on a gradual basis, as and when the clubs are strong enough to be ready, would seem the sensible thing to do.

I really hope the clubs that have taken this courageous get all the support and backup the need and deserve.

And I suppose Sheffield is "the south" in rugby league terms.

[bowes]

Coventry Bears (Community Side)
Bedford Tigers
Telford Raiders
Eastern Rhinos
Medway Dragons
Hemel Stags (Community Side)
A side from Gloucestershire
A side from Oxford
London Skolars (Community Side)

Can all probably be working towards membership in the short to medium term if they have a desire to play a March to October season, particularly where Junior Development is filling up their men's team ranks more and more.

Out of interest will Hemel and Skolars have a community open age side this year at tier 4?

[Hemel Rugby League]

Hemel are playing Championship U20's (8 matches home and away against South Wales Scorpions, Gloucestershire AG, Oldham and Rochdale) and Southern Premier League.

[bowes]

Fair wasn't sure what was happening with Southern Premier League but makes sense to keep it another year til they expand Conference League South? Or longer if the Bedfords and Southamptons of the world want to keep it as a stepping stone?

Are Skolars not running U20 this year then?

Edited by bowes, 19 January 2013 - 12:43 PM.

[Exiled Townie]

The 6 clubs are:
Bristol Sonics
St Albans Centurions
Nottingham Outlaws
Northampton Demons
Leicester Storm
Sheffield Hallam Eagles

Apparently 4 sides have made expressions of interest to join in 2014. I believe these would create a more South East aligned league. I'm not aware of if Premier South will still run at tier 4 or not.

I believe it'll be 2 in 2014 and 2 in 2015

A bit short of numbers but very encouraging nonetheless. I really hope these clubs are sustainable at this level, and don't succumb to the great folding virus.
To add to the 'Southern League' on a gradual basis, as and when the clubs are strong enough to be ready, would seem the sensible thing to do.
I really hope the clubs that have taken this courageous get all the support and backup the need and deserve.

And I suppose Sheffield is "the south" in rugby league terms.

I was told that two teams would be considered/are considering for next season and two in 2015. The thinking behind it is they want to give the 'unsure' clubs time to realise what stepping up entails and find out what its all about, and to that end they are holding a meeting on 22nd of June (I think) when reps from the six current teams and interested parties from teams considering the league will come together and discuss the good points and bad points of the current season with the RFL, and the 'outside clubs' can ask questions etc. It seems they want 'solid' clubs to come into the NCL South, clubs that will stay the course.

[bowes]

I suppose if they do it that way it means they can keep lower structures intact and promote a couple of clubs from lower down as replacement each year as well.

[Methven Hornet]

I was told that two teams would be considered/are considering for next season and two in 2015. The thinking behind it is they want to give the 'unsure' clubs time to realise what stepping up entails and find out what its all about, and to that end they are holding a meeting on 22nd of June (I think) when reps from the six current teams and interested parties from teams considering the league will come together and discuss the good points and bad points of the current season with the RFL, and the 'outside clubs' can ask questions etc. It seems they want 'solid' clubs to come into the NCL South, clubs that will stay the course.

It is absolutely crucial that, this time, clubs are not elevated too soon. They have to be completely aware of what is required at this level and what standards have to be maintained. Completely agree with this approach, even if it means a small competition at this stage.

[bowes]

It is absolutely crucial that, this time, clubs are not elevated too soon. They have to be completely aware of what is required at this level and what standards have to be maintained. Completely agree with this approach, even if it means a small competition at this stage.

The 4 other sides are already good enough and we could easily have a 10 team Conference South now but the problem is the RFL couldn't afford travel subsidies so 4 out of the 5 applicants based in the territory of the tier 4 premier south pulled out to form an equal standard league with less travelling a division below. They realistically need to persuade at least 2 other clubs to join them for a season.

Basically means we end up with 2 leagues of 6 rather than 1 of 10 because of funding cuts.

[BBR]

Out of interest what kind of figure would a club need to cover travel? I guess its better staying small for now instead of the risk of things folding or not turning up

[bulldog_paddy]

dpends on what club but i d wager travel bill for bristol must be circa 5k

[bearman]

Out of interest what kind of figure would a club need to cover travel? I guess its better staying small for now instead of the risk of things folding or not turning up

A coach for the day costs about £450 regardless of the distance.