Minutes of Committee Meeting - 30 November 2025

NORTH WEST INTERMEDIATE RUGBY UNION LEAGUES

SPONSORED BY IMPACT

Minutes of the Committee Meeting 5pm Sunday 30th November 2025

Venue: Last Drop Village, Bolton

Committee Present: Fred Swarbrick, John Powell, Paul Riordan, Craig Hine, Tommy Hughes, Ian Cosens, Greg King, Sara Ashley, Chris Farmiloe Andy Thompson, Peter Rhodes

Apologies : none

Matters Arising: Nothing to be discussed from last meeting

Finance:

CF suggested moving the balance into an interest account

CH to discuss with GK separately, but the overall sentiment from the committee is this is a good idea.

2 current Benevolent fund cases, with £500 confirmed to go to Max Bailey, injured playing for Stockport 3s in Div3S

PR asked do clubs contribute to player compensation alongside the benevolent fund, so all discussed a route for feedback from the committee to clubs – a pro forma to ensure visibility

League Performance Figures:

JP reports play rates in Sept 87%, Oct 88%, Nov 85% - compared to 78% play rate for the previous season.

Caution required as 2nd half of the season provides less opportunities to rearrange and a big impact if double headers aren’t played.

Lost 3 teams in the leagues so far this season: Ruskin Park, Eccles 4 and Colne / Nelson, with Wallasey and Hoylake combining to form one team.

4 teams on their last life as far as concedes go: Warrington Eagle, Chester 4, Macclesfield 3, Wigan 3.

Noted there has been a referee shortage, with 4 games lost to lack of a referee

AT states referee numbers are buoyant, but for some reason they’re not making themselves available for matches

JP and FS meeting with Lancashire and Cheshire reps at Wigan FUFC on 15/1/26 – agenda to include referee issues as well as RFU Leagues and Electronic Match Cards (EMCs)

Sponsorship:

CH reports new kit has arrived with new sponsor branding (Impact). 3 years sponsorship deal signed with Impact, Marple based company manufacturing Rugby protective accessories (Scrum caps etc)

All leagues currently have sponsors

Primo drinks now sponsoring Cup Final

CH looking for and speaking to potential Cup Final sponsor as a replacement

PRi to look in to a replacement hotel for the end of season presentation dinner due to the closure of the Cresta Court.

Premier League:

FS flagged a potential issue in the Premier League due to one team (Caldy) being significantly stronger than all others.

Discussed going back to a conference system, but not widely popular due to the same teams playing each other too many times.

IC suggests the issue is one for the RFU to resolve and general consensus was Caldy need to be consulted on what they want to do. FS to speak to Caldy and then take it to the RFU meeting on the 15/1 to discuss with Andy Souter. Lancashire and Cheshire Unions have previously refuted the idea of having 2nd teams

Electronic Match Cards (EMCs)

FS reports that David Clark to regarding effectiveness of EMCs being introduced to alleviate teams loading, but it’s hard to measure this in our leagues as they are only being used in the top 2 leagues where loading in not an issue.

Aaron Howarth is in contact with FS to ensure smooth operation, yesterday was the first time this season that issues reported.

PRh states it is the responsibility of the clubs to makes sure players are registered and then the RFU to mandate their usage and monitor the results.

There is talk of the RFU wanting them used in all leagues, which the committee strongly objects to.

AOB:

FS reports an injury to a player from Birkenhead Park that happened yesterday. Awaiting details of the players work / travel situation. CH to speak to the club and report back for benevolent fund assessment.

Meeting ended at 6.20pm