Expressions of Interest are being sought from community clubs for a new summer-based men’s North West Regional League which will start in March 2012 with an interim season to be played from September 2011 to November 2011.

The RFL-run competition will sit at Tier 4 of Rugby League’s pyramid structure below Super League, the Championships and the Conference Leagues and is open to all teams that wish to play in a March to November season structure.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest to be returned to the RFL is June 27 and letters have already been sent out to all community Rugby League teams in the North West.

The RFL’s Director of Participation and Strategic Partnerships, David Gent said: “There has been a big debate over the last 12 months as to the time of year the game should be played and the findings from this show widespread support for playing a summer-based season.

“Since these findings were published many North West based clubs have been requesting further information on what opportunities will exist for open age men’s teams going forward.
 
“Within the North West there appears still to be demand for a winter-based open age competition, therefore North West Counties open age league will continue to offer this competition structure.

“However, there is also clear demand from both existing winter based teams such as those currently playing in the North West Counties league and teams in the summer based Rugby League Conference for a summer based competition structure.

“This new RFL run competition will be played between March and November and all clubs that are interested will be incorporated at the appropriate level in the competition.”

It is envisaged that the new league structure will consist of a Premier League and as many leagues below this as appropriate to accommodate the number of teams involved.

The league will be made up of North West-based community teams who wish to switch to playing in a March-November season as well as clubs currently playing in the Rugby League Conference.

For more information contact Matt Birkett on 01925 494626 or via e-mail at Matt.birkett@rfl.uk.com

Expressions of Interest need to be returned to Tracey O’Mara, RFL Office, Warrington Business School, Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 8QA or tracey.o’mara@rfl.uk.com by June 27.

The timeline for the North West Regional League is as follows:
•    Monday 27th June 2011 – Deadline for Expression of Interest forms to be returned
•    Friday 8th July 2011 – Updated competition format / calendar) sent to clubs who expressed an interest.
•    Monday 25th July 2011 – Deadline for clubs to confirm entry into the competition
•    w/c 1st August 2011 – Announcement of North West Men’s League format (Interim 2011 Season and 2012 Season)
•    Saturday 3rd September 2011 – Interim Season begins (running for approximately 12 weeks depending on number of teams/divisions
•    Saturday 3rd March 2012 – New Season begins