Eccles RFC 1XV will compete in the ADM League Premier Division for the 2020/21 season. The teams were officially confirmed at noon today; Aldwinians, Burnley, Didsbury Toc H, Eccles, Fleetwood, Liverpool Collegiate, Liverpool St Helens, Oldham, Ormskirk, West Park St Helens, Wigan, Widnes.
Director Of Rugby Sam Simpson made this statement on the club’s decision.
“Unfortunately, after a fantastic start to the 2019/20 season the team found performances difficult to maintain from November which found us second from bottom with five fixtures remaining, when the RFU made the decision to call the season early and take the league places as they stood. This meant relegation from level 7.
After full consideration of the options, including consultation with players, coaches and the committee, we have decided the Lancashire ADM league Premier Division would offer us a higher standard of rugby, week in week out, than if we were to drop to the RFU’s level 8 competition.
Longer term, there is a planned RFU restructure for the 2021/22 season, and we, like all other clubs await to see their proposals. In the mean time, the lads will get more frequent challenges playing old level 6 rivals like Widnes and West Park, putting them in a better position once the RFU competition is appropriate for all teams to return too. The players and myself are excited about the challenge ahead and are looking forward to producing the performances we are capable of on a more consistent basis.
I’d like to add that the club’s decision had nothing to do with travelling to Cumbria, or anywhere else. As a squad we understand that if you want to be challenged, to develop your squad’s talents and performances, then sometimes you must travel to find such competition.”
The Lancashire ADM League season hopes to commence fixtures on the 12th September 2020, but this will be dependent on a RFU decision following a lifting of the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions.
News on the club’s participation in cup competitions and 2XVs and 3XVs fixtures next season will follow in due course.
Please continue to follow the club on social media for updates.
