AS THREE rugby union clubs weigh up the pros and cons of leaving SIRU and joining a different competition for 2016, they must reach a decision by December 10.
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SIRU has set a deadline for all clubs to register their interest, with Cootamundra, Temora and Young looking to broaden their horizons.
Cootamundra are the dominant force behind the move, which could see the number of first grade teams cut from 11 to eight.
Cootamundra and Young have been in talks with Brumbies Rugby, but the deadline fast approaches, with clubs needing to register their interest by close of business Tuesday.
The one-grade competition may not be the best fit for Young, who had two quality sides in the SIRU competition.
“Young may have missed the boat on the Monaro two grade comp, it’s already full,” SIRU manager Mick McTaggart said.
Temora, Young and Cootamundra are considering joining the Central West competition, playing against Condoblin, West Wyalong, Grenfell, Canowindra.
SIRU may be able to start planning for 2016 well before deadline according to Central West spokesman Peter Veenstra.
“I met with them on Wednesday, we’ll know before December 10, don’t you worry,” Veenstra said.
Talks of the possible switches dominated conversation at the SIRU AGM on Sunday.
Cootamundra, Temora and Young indicated they are not in a bloc of any description and clubs will decide based on their own interests.
A Cootamundra spokesman has said the main reason behind the shift was that smaller clubs are finding it hard to compete against teams from Wagga and Albury, who draw on a large player base.
McTaggart says the local competition will not suffer if the teams decide to leave.
“There’s no angst, or no ‘you can’t leave us’ syndrome,” he said.
“We could end up with a wonderful premier competition with eight teams playing first grade.”
He sympathises with Young in particular, who are on the cusp of three competition boundaries.
“Whatever competition they look at, they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place,” McTaggart said.
Junee, affiliated with Cootamundra last season, has severed all ties and will remain in the SIRU competition.
“Junee are happy to play third grade again, it’s more of an irregular competition with just 10 games, it suits them,” McTaggart said.
