Fylde RFC league faces revamp for 2022/23

Fylde RFC will play four fewer matches per season in a restructured National League competition to be introduced in 2022/23.
A try for Fylde in their win over Luctonians on March 7 - the last time the club played a matchA try for Fylde in their win over Luctonians on March 7 - the last time the club played a match
A try for Fylde in their win over Luctonians on March 7 - the last time the club played a match
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Sir Bill Beaumont vows rugby union will keep prioritising players' welfare

The Rugby Football Union’s Council has voted in favour of proposals which will see each of the National Leagues reduced from 16 clubs to 14.

It is understood that the current two regionalised divisions at Fylde’s current level (National Two) will become three (North, Midlands and South).

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However, these changes will only be introduced in 2022 – not next season as originally proposed – hopefully enabling clubs to return to normal for one more season after the pandemic.

The new structure will include a two-week Christmas break and other blank weekends.

The RFU statement reads: “The new measures aim to be more appealing to players as they juggle rugby with increasing demands on their time away from the game. The changes are designed to help arrest a decline in the number of adult men playing rugby union in the community game.

“The features include limiting the amount of time players spend travelling to matches and shortening the length of league seasons. The priorities remain player welfare and protecting the sustainability of clubs.

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“The recommendations follow a series of consultations with clubs, coaches and players, in addition to webinars, a national survey and detailed analysis of the RFU’s Game Management System and Electronic Match Card data.”

Fylde RFC initially opposed the changes, with head coach Warren Spragg arguing that an additional 10 clubs at National League 2 level (42 clubs across three divisions instead of 32 across two) would see quality diluted.

The size of leagues at the level below National Two would be reduced from 14 to 12, with an end-of-season knockout competition.

Community Game Board chair David Roberts said: “By waiting until 2022/23 for full implementation, we have time to work through the precise details and give clubs time to return to a familiar structure in 2021/22, after the disruption of the pandemic.”

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A further update is expected following the RFU Council’s February meeting, with final proposals to be voted on in April. The RFU hopes to salvage this season for the National Leagues with a one-off competition starting in February.

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