Rugby club becomes a private company

Officials say the decision to dissolve the old club after 84 years and transfer its assets to Scarborough RUFC Ltd marks the dawn of a new era.

Dave Campbell, communications director, added: "This step was taken on the advice of the sport's governing body the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the club's legal advisors.

"The reason for this move is to put the multi-million facility and business on a firm business footing, put in place a clearer structure to the entire operation and to limit the liability of the club's officers."

He underlined the company will be non-profit making and will retain its charitable status. John Guthrie continues as president and the board will be made up of a number of non-paid directors.

They include chairman Ken Anderson, CEO Graeme Young, financial director Tim Elliot, company secretary Colin Adamson and commercial director John Stevenson.

Also on the board are Mike Holder, director of rugby, and Richard Appleton, strategic development director, plus three non-executive directors – Tim Boyes, Andrew Pindar and Colin Rennard.

Mr Young has laid out the priorities for the new company as the continuing development of rugby from mini (under-7s) to seniors, and the establishment of the first XV at a higher league level.

Other goals are the development of commercial operations and opportunities, the further sustainable development of the company and its facilities, and the continuing and ongoing commitment of the organisation to the local community.

Scarborough RUFC runs a total of 18 teams across all age groups from under six to over 35.