Walcha’s Rams will be travelling north to play rugby in 2024, after being unanimously accepted into the New England Rugby Union competition for season starting this year.
At a meeting of the New England clubs last night, there was overwhelming support from all New England Clubs to embrace the Rams this year, New England Rugby’s 131st year of competition.
New England Zone President, David Clifton, said that the move is “just logical”.
“It’s very exciting to have Walcha join our comp.”
“They are a natural geographical fit, and our member Clubs recognised the benefits Walcha will bring to the New England competition”, he said.
Walch Rams President, Roger van den Hoek, was equally upbeat about the move.
“Our members voted strongly in favour of the move, and since we announced it, we have picked up four or five players who had previously said that the travel in CN was just too much”, said Roger.
“Our players and supporters are very much looking forward to the change and the challenge of New England Rugby, our geographical neighbours,”
“Walcha Rugby wish to thank Central North Rugby Union for the many tremendous years of rugby and appreciate the impact of late changes on both competitions”,
“We believe this change will allow us to build to three grades and Women’s rugby as we move forward”.
Following an AGM last month which was a standing room only affair with more than thirty delegates and representatives from Tamworth to Tenterfield, the New England rugby competition is set for bigger and better things in 2024, according to David Clifton.
“Walcha look to bring two grades to New England in 2024, and we are encouraged by their positivity to develop a Women’s Rugby program to join our outstanding Women’s Rugby 10’s competition, as well as third grade, which has been a feature of our competition”, said David.
“Having had to hold elections to fill Executive roles, New England Rugby is on the up,”
“It was an honour see New England stalwarts Luke Stephen, Sam Notley, and Jason Wall admitted as
Life Members of New England Rugby” he said, while also noting Dr Rachel Horton’s recent
appointment to referee both the Women’s Six Nations and the World Rugby Pacific 4 Series this
year.
New England women’s rugby has six teams nominated, and with Walcha’s admission now 19 senior
men’s teams are nominated across three grades, making for a competitive and robust season,
kicking off on 20 April 2024.
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small donation today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now.