Rugby time locked in

GOLD Coast District Rugby Union chairman Kim Bending says the much-debated 4.45pm kick-off timeslot for first grade matches is here to stay.

Many club identities have voiced their desire for a return to 3.15pm kick-offs but Bending said the change has merit.

“Next year, there is a good chance we are going to have other age groups playing and we are talking under-17s and under-16s,” he said.

“Now, where do we push them back to? If we stay at that 3.15pm kick-off, are they are going to kick off at 8am?”

It was also designed to be a more volunteer-friendly format, with helpers not having to go to a one-off game or going to morning games and then back for afternoon fixtures.