THE Rugby Football League’s community game senior administrator Alan Smith has issued opening fixtures for the National Community Rugby League pyramid system, which will take effect from the start of the men’s amateur season in March.
Smith has – as an employee of the RFL – administered the prestigious National Conference League, which would have celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026, for many years.
That four-division competition is, in effect, being dismantled and the NCL’s management has now shelved considerations of consequent legal action against the RFL.
The top two divisions are, under the restructure, to operate as new national leagues while sides in the bottom two sections will contest national conferences alongside teams operating in regional leagues in recent years.
Smith said: “The new vibrant competition, which for the first time introduces a pyramid structure with automatic promotion and relegation, aims to reignite men’s open-age Rugby League.
“A revitalised calendar, cross-conference play-off system, and new National and Regional Cups promise drama throughout the season with many old rivalries renewed.
“A greater focus on reducing the overall travel and financial burden on clubs has resulted in some pulsating fixtures on the opening weekend, a theme set to continue throughout the season.
“Derby games feature across all leagues when the campaign for most clubs starts.”
Opening day fixtures on Saturday, March 7 are:
NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE: Lock Lane v Hunslet ARLFC; Rochdale Mayfield v Waterhead Warriors; Siddal v West Bowling; Thatto Heath Crusaders v Wigan St Judes; West Hull v Wath Brow Hornets; York Acorn v Heworth.
NATIONAL DIVISION ONE: Dewsbury Moor Maroons v Shaw Cross Sharks; East Leeds v Oulton Raiders; Egremont Rangers v Kells; Leigh Miners Rangers v Pilkington Recs; Stanningley v Dewsbury Celtic; Wigan St Patrick’s v Oldham St Annes.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE CUMBRIA: Barrow Island v Hensingham; Distington v Ellenborough Rangers; Hindpool Tigers v Ulverston; Millom v Dalton; Seaton Rangers v Maryport.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE NORTHWEST: Blackbrook v Clock Face Miners; Haresfinch v Leigh East; Ince Rose Bridge v Orrell St James; Saddleworth Rangers v Ashton Bears; Woolston Rovers v Crosfields.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE YORKSHIRE A: Bradford Dudley Hill v Drighlington; Keighley Albion v King Cross Park; Moldgreen v Mirfield Spartans; Myton Warriors v Beverley; Stanley Rangers v Thornhill Trojans.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE YORKSHIRE B: Fryston Warriors v Siddal Academy; Hull Dockers v Skirlaugh; Kippax Welfare v Featherstone Lions; Newsome Panthers v Bentley; Normanton Knights v Milford.
First-day fixtures in National Conference Southern, which is due to start on Saturday, April 11, are: Bedford Tigers v North Herts Crusaders; Brentwood Eels v Eastern Rhinos; Hammersmith Hills Hoists v London Chargers; Wests Warriors v Bristol All Golds.