THE Rugby Football League has confirmed that the Conference League South has been shelved.
The competition, which had been linked to the Kingstone Press Cider National Conference League by Red Hall bosses since its inception, has struggled in recent years, with too many fixtures for comfort either not taking place or being played with reduced numbers.
The RFL had hoped to again run the league next year and Club & Competition Manager John McMullen recently confirmed that feedback from clubs had been circulated to all, adding: “Currently, the CLS will continue in 2017, We are working with clubs to ensure they have the playing opportunities they want.”
However, there has now been an about-turn at Red Hall. A press release issued on Friday stated: “The Conference League South clubs will be returning to their respective regional competitions or pursuing other playing opportunities in 2017.
“The clubs have responded to feedback from players, who have explained that they don’t want long travel distances, so they are looking at their options.
“The RFL is working with all clubs to help put plans in place for 2017 to meet their needs – great playing opportunities are being planned for the new season.”
The Conference League South, in 2016, comprised champions London Chargers, All Golds CLS, Coventry Bears Reserves, Nottingham Outlaws, Torfaen Tigers, Valley Cougars and West Wales Raiders.
