Cumbria rugby league administrators, officials and coaches have been reacting this week to news that Australia’s NRL are trying to buy Super League UK.
The implications have been focused on what would happen if that happened and the game moved back to winter.
But, particularly in West Cumbria, it also has implications for the rugby union clubs as there has been increasing cross-over between the two codes over recent years.
Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh sounded out a few union club officials for their thoughts on possible developments in the League code.
Lee Jones of Whitehaven RUFC – “There absolutely would be implications and especially for clubs located in rugby league strongholds.
“We’re already seeing issues during the months in which there is a crossover in seasons.
“In youth rugby union competitive rugby doesn’t happen until Under-14s with it only being the County Cup whereas in rugby league it starts at Under-12s with League and Cup competitions.
“At that age kids want to win things and have something to aim for instead of playing just friendly games.”
David Warwick of Wigton – “It will certainly be interesting. Lads seem to play League before Union when they have a choice.
“I feel the key is to have a good fixture list, with a mix of competitive and friendly games that involve a couple of bus trips away throughout the season.
“I was a big believer in League rugby when we played but times change and I feel the enjoyment has gone out of it for the players with the pressure of League points every fixture.
“At the end of the day it’s still a game that should be enjoyed with your mates after a week at work. I can’t actually believe I’m saying that as I’m still very competitive but I fear for the future of Cumbrian rugby unless we have a reset.”
Mike Firby, long-serving, respected referee – “It’s not good for either League or Union. The main problem for both codes is the loss of players moving from age group rugby to senior rugby.
“The clubs that can progress players from age grade rugby will survive, those who can’t will not.”
Barney Clegg, long-time official at Aspatria – “We have a small number of players who are dual code within the amateur game.
“The arrangement has worked well for us and the players concerned, particularly in enabling the club to field a reserve team in the Cumbria League.
“The seasons currently have a limited overlap which does throw up a small number of unavailability issues but overall there is an element of co-operation between the codes which keeps relations on an amicable basis.
“The bottom line, if the seasons mirror each other is that the players impacted will have to make a decision. This, in some individual cases, will be difficult.”
Brian Mitchelhill, county president – “I suspect a move by League to winter would have implications for union, particularly with lower level teams/players.
“However, both codes have survived in the past playing through winter, let’s hope the same would happen in the future.”
