Five teams will contest the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition next season after the Grafton Redmen and Wauchope Thunder made the decision to withdraw.
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Grafton decided to return to North Coast rugby to compete in a “stronger” competition, despite being unable to claim the premiership in the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union league.
However, the Thunder, who have struggled since their move to the Upper Mid North Coast competition, will return to the Lower Mid North Coast league for the 2019 season.
Mid North Coast Rugby Union Executive Officer Bob Wilson was disappointed Grafton opted to withdraw from the local competition.
“I was disappointed when Grafton informed me they were going to leave the competition,” Wilson told the Argus.
“Especially considering we had done a lot to accommodate them since they joined us.
“Wauchope have decided to return to the Lower Mid North Coast competition and we understand their reasoning.”
With Wauchope and Grafton withdrawing, the first grade competition will now be contested by the Kempsey Cannonballs, Port Macquarie Pirates, Hastings Valley Vikings, Coffs Harbour Snappers and the Southern Cross University Marlins.
Each side will play each other on three occasions throughout the regular season.
The top four will advance to the semi-finals.
Despite the drop in first grade sides, Wilson claims rugby on the Mid North Coast is strengthening, especially with the growth of the women’s game.
“There’s still plenty of people playing rugby union in the region; the junior and women’s game is really strong right now,” Wilson said.
“The women’s game will increase to 10-a-side next season because there’s more girls wanting to play.”
The official Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union draw will be released soon with the season expected to commence in the first week of April.
The Kempsey Cannonballs have been approached for comment.
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