Hastings League clubs voted to include Harrington into the competition at the annual meeting last weekend. This was despite the fact Group Three clubs had vetoed Harrington's application. Mr Bridge had previously sought advice from Mr Quinn when the Times confirmed Harrington was seeking a place in the Hastings League. Mr Quinn told Mr Bridge Harrington would need permission to play in the Hastings League as the club is within Group Three's boundaries.

Mr Bridge found out that Harrington had been included in the Hastings League on Facebook. He said the group has had no contact with anyone from the club or the Hastings League.

The group found out about Harrington's application through regional manager, Kevin Hill. Mr Hill attended Group Three's annual meeting last month.

"I'll be contacting Terry Quinn this week about this,'' Mr Bridge said.

"I'll also make sure it's on the agenda for the Country Rugby League management committee at the first meeting next year.''

Mr Bridge is on the management committee.

At the group's annual meeting clubs expressed concern that another club from this area would impact on Group Three clubs. Harrington has played in the Lower North Coast Rugby Union competition for the past five years.

There's no other club from the Group Three area currently playing in the Hastings League.