Opposition is growing to the changes being proposed by the Rugby Football League with regard to the community game.
Aimed at arresting the decline in numbers playing the men’s amateur game, it has produced a preferred structure for 2026.
It would be headed by a National Conference Premier Division and an NC National Division One.
Below those two divisions would be a series of regionalised leagues, including Cumbria.
Wath Brow Hornets would be in the top flight and both Egremont and Kells in Division One.
The Cumbria Division would include current NCL clubs Ellenborough, Distington and Hensingham who would be joined by teams from the Cumberland ARL – Flimby, Lowca, Maryport, Seaton and Wath Brow A.
A North West Division would include Millom and Barrow Island.
The other proposed Divisions are Southern, Yorkshire A and Yorkshire B.
However the RFL said: “Further consultation is being undertaken to explore whether Cumbria should remain a standalone conference, be merged with neighbouring regions or should adopt a revised format that better supports club sustainability and competitive integrity.”
The National Conference management committee are meeting tonight to formulate an official response to the proposals.
Cumberland ARL said it had serious concerns about the proposals and expressed deep dissatisfaction with them.
