The discussions have been initiated by the two zone presidents, David Clifton (New England) and Tony Byrnes (Central North), to explore ways of “re-invigorating and strengthening player numbers and at the same time strengthening the clubs within each zone”.

“Both zones are treating the process as one by which all players, and the broader rugby community, would see benefits,” the two commented.

At the core is ensuring the sustainability of rugby in both zones, with both feeling now is the time to act.

“I see a need that something has to be done in a structural sense as far as rugby in the bush goes,” Byrnes said.

They stressed that the discussions were only “preliminary”  and there had been no discussions about merging the zones.

Both will retain complete autonomy and, for representative purposes, remain as separate entities.

“Maintaining player numbers, catering for all skill levels, and expanding, strengthening and developing junior rugby are paramount considerations of the discussions between the two zones,” Byrnes said.

After being endorsed by their clubs to continue the discussions, the next step is to organise for both executives to meet to “start to drill down some of the nitty-gritty of what we propose”, Clifton said, and develop a firmer proposal, which they will then present at their respective next meetings.

“It’s purely up to the clubs whether it’s acceptable or not,” he said.

But from the indications he’s had, the idea as far as his clubs are concerned, has got merit.

Byrnes was also encouraged by the response when he raised the proposal.

Both acknowledge there is a lot to discuss and issues to be worked through.

There have been some ideas for a structure floated about but they are all hypothetical at this stage.

It is really a blank page, Byrnes said.

The only real obstacle he can foresee is the additional travel it might impose on some of the clubs.

That would be more of an issue for the New England clubs but wasn’t raised when the executive met with them.

“It was not an issue that came to the fore when we spoke to the clubs,” Clifton said.

Their main concern was “ensuring that second, third and fourth grade isn’t lost in all of this”.

Another challenge will be the colts. 

“There’s got to be enough colts in the New England who would be able to join our 18s and 16s,” Byrnes said.

“We really rely on our colts to feed into our seniors.”

New England doesn’t currently have a colts competition  and Clifton recognised it as one of the main issues.

The 16s is probably the bigger concern, New England not having an U16s competition. There are some U18s playing in the lower grades.

Both zones are gearing up for their respective finals series and have a big weekend of action ahead.

The Central North action will be headlined by the local Tamworth derby.