Summer switch in spotlight

RUGBY LEAGUE: A MEETING held last night by the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) open-age board, touched on the proposed switch to summer rugby.

The RFL is proposing a March-to-November based, four-tier pyramid structure which would represent an overhaul of the sport.

Opinion is already split between the likes of Oldham St Anne’s, Higginshaw, Waterhead and Saddleworth Rangers.

Saints are in favour as their players could train in good weather, Rangers are split down the middle, while Waterhead and Higginshaw say they are firmly against it.

Should the plan get the green light, it could be in place as early as March 2012.

BARLA met to gauge people’s feelings before deciding how to move forward. They are offering support to leagues and clubs expressing an interest in signing up for summer rugby, but will remain equally committed to those who prefer the current set-up.

The National Conference League is due to make a decision soon on whether to back the idea.

RFL officials have been at pains to point out that pressure will not be applied, and the decision rests with clubs.

Their vision comprises of splitting North and South into two separate leagues, each running three divisions.

NCL teams would be placed into three North divisions along with Northern-based teams from the current summer Conference League.