COMBINING the Upper Mid North Coast and Lower North rugby competitions is pure speculation, not fact, according to Mid North Coast chief executive Bob Wilson.
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Mr Wilson was replying to recent reports in the Times and other media outlets concerning a possible merger of the two competitions. This follows Wauchope's decision to move from the Lower North Coast to the Upper North Coast next season.
"Throughout the season all Mid North Coast clubs attended a meeting to discuss different formats of the competition/s,'' Mr Wilson said.
"While some people and clubs would like a combined Mid North Coast competition, some others don't and this will not be happening at this stage.
"Wauchope are moving to the UMNC primarily because they will field two teams in the senior competitions along with possibility junior team/s. The LMNC competition, a one team "village" competition and enjoyed by the participants cannot accommodate two grades of seniors or any juniors. A concern for the LMNC is that if one or even two current clubs fold then that will be become a major issue.''
However, Mr Wilson added that Myall Coast has confirmed they will field a team in 2016 'due to a lot of hard work and an influx of players.'
He said the Lower North Coast would have six teams.
"The Upper Mid North Coast will have more teams in first and reserve grades as well as the under 18s, 16s and 14s while there should be an increase in playing numbers from the 12s and younger age groups,'' he added.
"Unfortunately, the Lower North Coast does not have this. However, they should be looking at introducing junior rugby in the southern region, which was the case in the Upper Mid North many years ago where they started out small and have grown to where they are today. This is due to hard work, patience and persistance by the clubs, parents and volunteers.''
