RFL shocked as member club gives vote of no confidence in governing body

[josie andrews]

One rugby league club has shocked the RFL this week, deciding to withdraw from the RFL after taking a vote of no confidence in the governing body.

The Bath Gladiators, one of a few clubs in the South East of the UK, have taken that decision following on from the complaint and attempted discussions with the RFL concerning their ‘one club’ policy in the SCL west at the detriment of the community game.

A statement on behalf of the board reads: “For a number of years the RFL have failed to support the efforts of its member clubs within the South West. This has become increasingly clear over the last couple of years where the RFL have chosen to part fund the now defunct Gloucester All Golds new project in Bristol.

The RFL haven’t just turned a blind eye but actually proven to be a facilitator of All Golds ability to poach players from other SCL community clubs due to their funding from the governing body. This means that players are being effectively lured away from their clubs and paid by the RFL. Despite raising these concerns with the RFL league representatives they have failed to act in the interests of the community game. Whilst All Golds have received sizeable funding and support, other community clubs have had zero support, zero funding and their concerns ignored. This one club policy from the RFL has led to a number of teams struggling with no assistance being offered either financially or otherwise.

“This is an issue that is much bigger than Bath Gladiators and if not stopped immediately then the community game in the South West will not only continue to weaken but will die. This is not something that we can in good conscience stand by and ignore and so in a vote of no confidence against the RFL and its actions within the South West we have formally withdrawn our membership from the governing body.

Whilst this will be attempted to be rebranded as a rebellion or breakaway from the RFL, In reality it is an action that we deeply regret and is forced by the toxic actions of the RFL that should be building, supporting and developing the community game in the region not destroying it.

“Bath Gladiators will contunue to play and we are engaged in a number of discussions with other clubs and will begin to announce fixtures in the coming days and weeks for the 2022 season and we would love to hear from any team interested in playing us.

“We will then be looking to work with other clubs in the region to create a format that works for the good of all clubs in the region. One that is based on sound financial planning, building the community game and building a fan base in the region to ensure that the sport of Rugby League continues in the communities of the South West.

We ask all fans, clubs and lovers of rugby league to support Bath Gladiators and #Standwithbathgladiators”

They also sent out the plea on their Twitter page:
https://twitter.com/bathrugbyleague/sta ... 04288?s=12

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/rfl-shoc ... ody-54728/