Far from doom and gloom as Otley prepare for lower level

Disappointing but by no means disastrous is the general consensus of opinion at Otley’s second relegation in three years.

The Cross Green club’s demotion to a regionalised fourth tier was confirmed by defeat to Macclesfield last Saturday.

Only three seasons ago they were embarking on their eighth campaign out of nine in the second tier of English rugby, yet the club that was adversely affected by the Rugby Football Union’s decision to cull the then-National One from 16 to 12 clubs two years ago has finally succumbed to playing outside of the top three national leagues.

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They will ply their trade in National Two North next season, not that such a demotion will have the widespread financial repercussions it may have on clubs in other sports.

With central funding from the RFU cut from next season onwards in the divisions below the Championship, Otley are no worse off financially because of relegation.

Indeed in National Two North next year, Otley and clubs like Harrogate and Huddersfield will only receive financial support for travel expenses.

For a club that for the past decade has made regular trips to Cornwall to face the likes of Launceston, the Pirates and Redruth, a reduction in journey time and costs will be greatly welcomed.

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The furthest the North Yorkshire club will travel in the fourth tier is to Kendal and Leicester. There is also the likelihood of at least four Yorkshire derbies next season.

On the downside, the standard will obviously not be as high, and the ability to attract players of a certain standard, not as easy. They have already had to say goodbye to club stalwart Howard Parr who is to return to the front line with the Armed Forces, and any star performer from this season could well be cherry-picked by clubs higher up the food chain.

But the further you go down the rugby pyramid the more the sense of community pervades over the win-or-bust drive for success.

“It’s disappointing to go down but we are financially sound,” assured club chairman Paul Carter. “And we have a budget that will make us competitive next season.”

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n Gavin Henson’s one-week suspension for a breach of club discipline has thrown his Toulon future into doubt and cast a shadow over his World Cup aspirations.

Toulon would confirm only that Henson had broken the club’s code of conduct but reports in France stated the Wales international had fought with team-mates after last weekend’s victory over Toulouse. Club president Mourad Boudjellal said a decision would be taken on Monday.