National Conference League side Wath Brow Hornets have released a statement on social media to explain their decision to withdraw from the Challenge Cup. The Cumbrian side were due to travel to West Bowling this weekend with a clash against Championship side Sheffield Eagles the prize for a win.
However, due to the club’s concerns around player welfare, with games coming during a period of non-contact training for all amateur sides, they have decided to pull out of the competition. What that means for West Bowling remains to the seen with the RFL yet to confirm whether the club will be given a walkover win and a bye to the next round. It is understood that calling a new club up to the competition in place of the Hornets is something being discussed, too.
Wath Brow, who host West Hull in their NCL opener on March 8, clarified their reasoning with a lengthy statement posted on social media.
“Wath Brow Hornets ARLFC regrets to inform you we will not be taking part in this season’s Challenge Cup & apologise for any inconvenience this causes West Bowling ARLFC,” the message read.
“Pre Christmas, our head coach raised detailed concerns around player welfare regarding playing Challenge Cup games in very early January. The risk of injury greatly personified due to the undoubted lack of preparation time for all amateur clubs.
“The RFL’s own mandate was for non-contact in pre-season up until late February! How they then allow these fixtures is both regrettable but more importantly it is to the detriment of all amateur players in our opinion (again RFL mandate was WE MUST HAVE A LENGTHY OFF SEASON).
“The 2024 season for ourselves was not concluded until mid October & again, your own counsel was to have a longer off season so as to allow players the much needed recovery time (regardless of Challenge Cup entry or not).
— Wath Brow Hornets (@WathBrowHornets) January 6, 2025
“We are extremely concerned about the potential for amateur clubs then playing well conditioned professional clubs (their pre-season started far earlier & is understandably more intense) & the high risk those fixtures present.
“The actual NCL season does not commence until March & rightly so.
“These Cup games no longer present the financial rewards that were on offer years ago & in reality often cost amateur clubs. Given the risks highlighted, the actual lack of reward & BY ACTUALLY FOLLOWING THE RFL MANDATORY GUIDANCE Wath Brow Hornets ARLFC have considered all factors & are withdrawing from the competition.”
