Clubs brand new league structure a big success
FIGURES at several National 2 clubs have deemed the new three league structure that’s operated in tier 4 this season as “the start of a real success”.
Directors and coaches at several clubs have thanked those in key roles at the RFU and National League Rugby for “finally listening and acting on some of our concerns”.
Closer derbies, bigger crowds, less expense and time on travelling, a more manageable fixture list and new opportunities for smaller clubs, have been deemed the key reasons for the thumbs up.
Tier 4 of the pyramid went from two leagues to three, while the number of teams per league dropped from 16 to 14.
Hornets RFC director of rugby Ian Humphris believes it’s given the Weston-super-Mare club an unexpected opportunity they are “relishing”, after being the third and final team to be promoted from Tier 5 last season for their debut national league campaign.
He said: “This season has been massive for us, to play at level four in a national league, is something we’ve never in the past thought we’d ever get to. Playing at this level is amazing and the standard of rugby week in, week out is top-notch.
“We have worked very hard just to stay in the league this season, it’s been our sole goal. We’re now looking for a few recruitments to strengthen the squad, as it is tough. It’s one thing being in the league, but it’s another thing to do well in it. To play the likes of Clifton on an equal footing, it’s a massive learning curve for us and we’re relishing the opportunity.
“No one’s wanted to come to the Nest and play us at this level, because we’re competitive. We’re such a young club, but it’s good for us and for local rugby as our minis and juniors are flourishing massively. We’re on the up.
Meanwhile, Bournville moved from National 2 North to National 2 West after one season at Level 4, and head coach Mitch McGahan feels it’s “been a new adventure”.
He said: “It’s been really good, reducing travel time for most sides, producing more local derbies. We’ve had several West Midland derbies this season, which has got more people through the gate, so it’s only a positive.
“These last two seasons has been the first time for a while Birmingham has had a second team in the national leagues. That’s a massive thing, it’s an adventure for Bournville.
“Going from the north to the west league is a change of style, teams wanting to play freer, a little less forward-orientated, and changing our style has been a challenge.”
Marcus Cattell, head coach of Bishop’s Stortford, said: “There’s talks of more changes, but for Nat 1 and Nat 2 I’d say please leave it. They finally listened to our concerns, it’s worked well this season, it’s kept a great challenge while reducing the travel, which we all struggle with, so let’s let it bed in for a few seasons.”