Celtics call off merger talks with the Bulls

NERANG have been caught by surprise with the collapse of a proposed merger with Hinterland Celtics.

The Bulls are destined to return to the Gold Coast District Rugby Union first grade division next year and were widely expected to join forces with Celtics.

The concept would have seen the latter bring a third grade presence to the Glennon Park club, who had already been plotting to field first and second grade sides.

However, that plan will not proceed, with Celtics committee members recently informing Nerang of their decision to remain a stand-alone club.

Bulls president Heath Claydon admitted the news had caught them off-guard.

“It took us totally and utterly by surprise,” Claydon said. “They said they had done a player survey and that was the feedback, that they wanted to remain.

“They were very courteous and just thanked us for the offer.

“As a committee we had a planned meeting with Celtics next Wednesday and we’ll decide on a course of action moving forward because obviously we are stepping up to first and second grade.

“It doesn’t really knock us either way, it’s just disappointing obviously because two groups together would have been stronger than one but the Bulls will just continue on its path.”

It is not yet clear whether Celtics will stay based at Glennon Park as they were in 2018, with the Bulls likely to be squeezed for space by the additions of a senior side and multiple girls teams.