Shane is a fan of the summer

Saddleworth Rangers chairman Shane Wilson

RUGBY:

SADDLEWORTH Rangers chairman Shane Wilson has sprung to the defence of summer rugby.

He said the difficulties amateur clubs are experiencing throughout the game can be overcome.

Last week former Waterhead coach Andy Sands told the Chronicle of his regret over the switch from winter to summer, which means many players have other commitments.

Wilson accepts that there is an issue over players — but says summer rugby is worth it for its positive impact on juniors and the revenue from good-weather attendance.

“I think it will work,” said Wilson. “We may not be as strong a team here at Rangers as we were five or six years ago. But in the current economic climate, the reality is some players will have to work to feed their families rather than play rugby.

“Over the last few weeks we have had some fantastic days with people enjoying themselves at our club. Sometimes on a rainy day in winter you would lock the doors after the game had finished but now we are getting plenty of people staying until 8pm. It costs a lot to keep our Conference clubs going and the extra revenue helps.

“It’s about perseverance; clubs have to adapt to the changes. You can’t have the same mindset as winter.

“The difficulties aren’t just in Oldham. I have spoken to clubs in Leigh, Wigan and Hull who have struggled, but I also think most are coming round to the idea.”