Regional Rugby League geared for action
27th of April 2012
A total of 255 men’s teams make up the regional Rugby League competition at community level spread over three countries, who either have just or are about to kick off their 2012 summer season.
Re-branded as Tier 4 the structure, which covers eleven English regions along with Scotland and Wales, incorporates what was the Rugby League Conference together with teams or leagues in Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North West that have moved over from winter.
RFL Director of Participation, David Gent said: "The season holds great potential and excitement across the Rugby League playing regions.
“There are more participants, teams, towns and cities involved than ever before and that is a testament to the development work that has taken place to underpin the new structure. Good luck to everyone involved, this truly is the start of a new era for the community game, no-one can doubt that we are a national sport."
There is a greater degree of self determination and governance centred within the regions although a cup competition, based on the format of the hugely successful Champions Schools, and the retention of the Harry Jepson Trophy for the top level play off winners will see them come together on the field.
In the North East, seven Premier and 11 regional sides go into battle including newcomers Redcar, Miners RL, Consett and Guiseborough.
Cumbria has 20 teams in two divisions and the North West 58 spread across five divisions plus another 24 entry level clubs including the likes of Skelmersdale Titans who are new to the fold.
Six groups encompassing 38 clubs are in Yorkshire with a further ten at entry level, Knaresborough one of those making their bow.
Bridgnorth Bulls are one of 23 teams in the Midlands who are spread over four divisions, while the Southern Premier and South East Championship both contain six established sides and some keen rivalries.
In the East, Milton Keynes Wolves, Kings Lynn Black Knights and North Herts Crusaders are among nine clubs involved in the full and merit divisions while nine merit sides contest London & SE including Newham Dockers and Weald Warriors.
Five clubs are set to compete in the South West and six in the West of England divisions.
Wales have 13 clubs split between Premiership and a north-based Championship with Scotland 10 teams in Central and North divisions including Ross Sutherland.
Re-branded as Tier 4 the structure, which covers eleven English regions along with Scotland and Wales, incorporates what was the Rugby League Conference together with teams or leagues in Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North West that have moved over from winter.
RFL Director of Participation, David Gent said: "The season holds great potential and excitement across the Rugby League playing regions.
“There are more participants, teams, towns and cities involved than ever before and that is a testament to the development work that has taken place to underpin the new structure. Good luck to everyone involved, this truly is the start of a new era for the community game, no-one can doubt that we are a national sport."
There is a greater degree of self determination and governance centred within the regions although a cup competition, based on the format of the hugely successful Champions Schools, and the retention of the Harry Jepson Trophy for the top level play off winners will see them come together on the field.
In the North East, seven Premier and 11 regional sides go into battle including newcomers Redcar, Miners RL, Consett and Guiseborough.
Cumbria has 20 teams in two divisions and the North West 58 spread across five divisions plus another 24 entry level clubs including the likes of Skelmersdale Titans who are new to the fold.
Six groups encompassing 38 clubs are in Yorkshire with a further ten at entry level, Knaresborough one of those making their bow.
Bridgnorth Bulls are one of 23 teams in the Midlands who are spread over four divisions, while the Southern Premier and South East Championship both contain six established sides and some keen rivalries.
In the East, Milton Keynes Wolves, Kings Lynn Black Knights and North Herts Crusaders are among nine clubs involved in the full and merit divisions while nine merit sides contest London & SE including Newham Dockers and Weald Warriors.
Five clubs are set to compete in the South West and six in the West of England divisions.
Wales have 13 clubs split between Premiership and a north-based Championship with Scotland 10 teams in Central and North divisions including Ross Sutherland.
