Old Yorkshire rivals agree to play in brand new tournament

The pandemic saw the RFU rule out the entire 2020-21 campaign completely and most National Clubs Association teams have not played since last March.

A few managed some brief friendly action in December before another national lockdown hit and, although there were plans for an NCA Cup, that was also scrapped just over a fortnight ago.

Nevertheless, Leeds, Otley, Wharfedale and Huddersfield have now grouped together to set up a competition with Leeds-based travel company Ventur also putting up a £10,000 prize fund.

Each club will play each other at home and away on Saturdays, starting on May 8 with games played under RFU modified rules.

After Round Six, all four teams will compete in a Finals Day at Emerald Headingley on Saturday June 19 with the top two teams playing for the Ventur Cup and remaining sides contesting the Ventur Plate.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the players, coaches and supporters to play and watch again and it’s a much-needed boost for the clubs involved,” said Leeds director of rugby Phil Davies.

“They are all very keen to resume and we all appreciate the support of sponsors Ventur, too.

“The idea behind it is when the NCA Cup was cancelled we’d already had a look prior to that at a Plan B.

“We just wanted to look at getting the boys to be able to train and play.

“It was the same with the coaches and the supporters; we wanted to get an opportunity locally to get back into rugby.”

Leeds, who will start life in National One after being relegated from the Championship last year, are looking forward to facing some of their traditional rivals from pre-professional days.

“It is a good thing that we can rekindle some local fixtures that have a bit of history to them,” added Davies.

“There’s been links with Huddersfield and Leeds over the years with (Tykes assistant) Colin Stephens coaching there and (former Tykes and South Africa centre) Andre Snyman more recently.

“They’re a quality club and I used to go over back in the day to do some coaching, too.

“And some of the great games years ago came with Otley and Wharfedale.

“There’s great links with all the clubs really and there’s other clubs in Yorkshire, all around the county trying to do things and be pro-active to get some rugby played.

“With our club, I’m grateful we’re being open-minded and really pleased local clubs can showcase a bit of local rugby in Yorkshire.

“The Finals Day at Headingley, too, should be fantastic. Hopefully we can have a really great club atmosphere afterwards.”

Otley were relegated from National Two North in controversial circumstances last year when the RFU announced its formula for bringing a conclusion to the halted 2019-20 campaign.

Huddersfield narrowly remained in National Two North while Wharfedale – who have former Leeds No 8 Rob Baldwin as their director of rugby – also operate in the fourth tier so that trio of clubs know each other well.

On news of the tournament, Otley chairman of rugby Peter Clegg said: “Of course, if there is rugby to be had anywhere, we want to be in.

“After the disappointment of last season and where we ended up, we want to get back.

“We have a strong squad and want to play rugby again.

“We’ve been together a long time with Wharfedale and Huddersfield. We’re close with the likes of them.

“We’ve sat back and watched what’s been going on with Leeds over the years and we’re desperate to play if there’s rugby to be had. We all want to have some games before the League programme starts up again.

“But we’ll be doing it only when we’re given permission and it is safe to do so. That is paramount.”

Fixtures are set to be announced soon.

Ventur’s Peter Wilcock said: “We are delighted to be supporting this tournament and I know the players of all four clubs are desperate to play again.”

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