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News Corp are reporting that the Sydney Stars are out of the National Rugby Championship for the 2016 season.
Slated to go ahead for the third year with Foxtel and Buildcorp still on board, the National Rugby Championship is slowly grinding away at becoming a fixture on the Australian rugby calendar.
But with all the teams just on two-year licences, it seems that for the franchises themselves there’s no guarantees, particularly with the news that the highest-finishing team from New South Wales in 2015 won’t take part in 2016.
Players are understandably confused and a little incensed by the call, which by The Roar‘s information has been known by those within the Stars for about two months.
Multiple reasons have thrown around as justification for the move, including concerns about dilution of NSW-based talent, and issues around club governance and Shute Shield club cooperation, but it is a kick in the teeth to Stars fans and staff, who so comprehensively turned their performances around after a dismal 2014 NRC.
It opens questions about where the new boundaries for Shute Shield clubs will be formed, with the Stars being a joint venture between Balmain (subbies) and Sydney University.
News have reported that Sydney University will align with the NSW Country Eagles, another club with rumours swirling around them, and they will play one home game out of University Oval and the rest in regional NSW.
They go onto report the North Harbour rays will be rebranded as the ‘Sydney Rays’ and involve new partner in Southern Districts alongside Norths, Gordon, Manly and Warringah.
The Greater Sydney Rams will reportedly remain as they are.
Balmain president Warren Livingstone told News Corp he was disappointed with the call.
“It is disappointing that after two years of hard work that the Stars won’t be around anymore,” Livingstone said.
“We were the only team that played at a ground that wasn’t affiliated with a club, and that was at our expense. It’s a bit weird that there’ll be no Sydney team south of the bridge or west of Parramatta.”
It seems Livingstone hasn’t lost his sense of humour though.
“Anyone who wants to change their name to “Stars”, I have $20,000 worth of useless merchandise sitting in my garage. Free to a good home.”
Poor Warren.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.