A NUMBER of National Conference League clubs have expressed their opposition to the RFL’s regionalised grassroots restructure.
South Yorkshire side Bentley, who finished third in the NCL’s Third Division and are fairly recent additions to the flagship league, will find themselves in Yorkshire B under the new structure.
Nick Pownall, their vice-president, said: “When we joined the NCL we knew we were signing up to the long distances and have embraced them. Regionalising just makes it a Yorkshire Men’s League again, not a national league.
“We left the Yorkshire Men’s League to play at a better standard, with better facilities and better officials, as well as to travel the country and play different teams. We now don’t see the purpose, it seems to detract from the prestige of being in the NCL, which is something we worked extremely hard to achieve.
“We worked hard to get here but are now being forced by the RFL to go down a path to go regional. Who wants that? Where’s the common sense?
“We at Bentley have no problems blooding young players at NCL level, for example three 17-year-olds have played in our first team at some point. We wouldn’t dare have done that in the YML.
“Then there’s the financial impact; if teams postpone late on Thursday or Friday there’s no revenue into the club and lads don’t play. Look at the completion rate of games in the YML compared to the NCL.”
He concluded: “We’ve just worked hard with Sport England, the RFL and the local council, as well as local businesses, to open our clubhouse. We don’t want to put the future of that at risk.”
Skirlaugh chairman Ashley Simpson said: “I have strong concerns. While I understand the intent to reduce travel demands and logistical pressures on clubs, I firmly believe that such a move would have significant negative consequences for community Rugby League at our level.
“The NCL has long stood as the pinnacle of the amateur game, providing clubs, players, and volunteers with a clear and ambitious pathway to test themselves against the best across the country. Regionalising the competition risks eroding this ambition.
“By limiting competition to more localised areas we risk lowering overall standards and diminishing the quality and intensity of rugby that players experience week in, week out.
“Furthermore, this change could lead to a loss of aspiration among players, many of whom take pride in competing at the highest amateur level. If opportunities to face the strongest sides are reduced, there is a real danger that talented players will drift away from the community game or seek opportunities elsewhere, including the professional ranks, far earlier than they otherwise might.
“For clubs like Skirlaugh, the challenge of travelling to compete against top opposition is not a burden – it is part of what drives us to improve both on and off the field. The diversity of opponents and experiences fosters growth, resilience, and pride. Reducing that to a more regional set-up, in my view, would dilute the prestige and purpose of the NCL.”
He concluded: “I respectfully urge the RFL to reconsider this proposal and to consult widely with clubs before making any final decisions. The NCL’s national structure is not just a format – it is a standard of excellence that represents the very best of community Rugby League.”
Robby Wild, team manager of Keighley Albion, who earned promotion from Division Three, said: “We are disappointed that the NCL is to be replaced by the new structure. We have put a lot of work in, both off and on the pitch, over the years to able to compete in the competition.
“Having had a successful season in our first year we were full of confidence we could give Division Two a good go. We do understand the sport needs to evolve and improvements need to be made in certain areas. However, we feel that the changes have been dropped on clubs without any discussion or information it was coming.
“Our season in the NCL has been nothing but a pleasurable experience from the standard of play through to how it’s managed. It’s a travesty that they can’t celebrate their 40th year like they deserve.”
East Leeds topped Division Two with a 100 per cent winning record. Chair (and recently retired player) Jake Normington said: “We find ourselves in a fortunate position having been promoted to Division One for 2026, meaning we land in Tier 3 of the overall structure which will not see much difference in operation from what we are used to in the NCL.
“It was great to see so many people attend the webinar and put forward their approval or objections to the new format. Listening to other clubs’ views I do feel like it’s perhaps been rushed.
“Comments stating this format has been in the pipeline for twelve months make me think it should have been discussed shortly after conception to allow a bigger window of time, not only for feedback but for planning.
“Had the announcement been made with a view to implement changes come 2027 it would have allowed time for not only the clubs but the governing body to make sure it was the correct call and iron out any potential downfalls.
“If the format is implemented, regardless of individual clubs’ views and opinions, we need to come together as a sport and give our all to the new league. It’s no secret that Rugby League in the UK is fighting an uphill battle and I’d hate this situation to negatively affect the efforts from players, coaches and all volunteers within the community game, and put us a step backwards.”
Leigh East earned promotion from Division Three, through the play-offs, and chairman Dave Coyle said: “We are against this as we have worked hard in the NCL to eventually get promotion and it seems to have been taken away from us.
“If they are looking to change they should give notice at the beginning of the new season that things are going to change the following year.”
