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Rugby restructure means our United team haven't been promoted, say Stow

Author: Roger Jackson, Posted: Tuesday, 14th June 2022, 10:00

Stow will be locking horns with Shipston-on-Stour in Regional 2 South Central next season

Stow-on-the-Wold Rugby Club chairman James Collett has confirmed that their 2^nd XV will be competing in the Berkshire, Bucks and Oxon League next season.

The club had discussed switching their United side to the Gloucestershire leagues but while they are remaining in the BBO League, they are not happy with the level at which they are playing.

Stow’s 2nds have been placed in Counties 4 BBO North which is Level 10, a level below where they feel they should be playing. It follows the wide-ranging restructure of the leagues for the 2022/23 campaign and the club are appealing the decision.

“The United finished second in their division last season and got promoted but following the restructure we’ve effectively not been promoted because we’re still playing Level 10,” said Collett.

Stow United competed in Berkshire Bucks and Oxon 3 North in 2021/22 – they beat one team 115-7 – and Collett continued: “The 1st team play at Level 6, it’s about player welfare.

“The players need to be ready and able to step up from the United into the 1^st team when needed. All we want is for the 2nds to play rugby every Saturday, we’ve got the players to do it, we want to get into a league where others have as well.

“We want to be in a league where regular rugby is guaranteed.”

Counties 4 BBO North comprises just nine teams, including Chinnor 4ths and the 3^rd teams of Buckingham and Tring. The other teams in the division are Bicester 2nds, Chipping Norton 2nds, Gosford AB 2nds, Harwell and Littlemore.

Stow’s flagship team, who won Southern Counties North last season, will compete in the 12-team Regional 2 South Central in 2022/23 alongside the likes of Devizes, Marlborough and Shipston-on-Stour.

Collett also confirmed that the club are hoping to re-establish a social 3^rd XV as well as setting up a women’s team.

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Rugby restructure means our United team haven't been promoted, say Stow

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