Scorpions withdraw from Northern Rail Cup

Following last Thursday’s decision to cancel the membership of Blackpool Panthers, the RFL has moved quickly to reschedule the Northern Rail Cup and Challenge Cup competitions.

South Wales Scorpions will no longer be taking part in the season opening Northern Rail Cup competition due to the requirement of having two initial groups of the same size.

An additional RFL Community Club will now be admitted into the Challenge Cup following the demise of the Panthers who went into administration in early October, and failed to meet a deadline last week to present plans for their participation in 2011.

RFL Operations Director Emma Rosewarne explained: “Due to the need to plan the fixture list for the 2011 season South Wales Scorpions have been gracious enough to agree to withdraw from the Northern Rail Cup and the RFL applauds their co-operation on this matter.

“The Carnegie Challenge Cup will be slightly rearranged with an additional Community club getting the chance to compete in one of Rugby League’s showpiece competitions.”

The Scorpions will be looking to organise pre-season friendlies during February to prepare themselves for their second Co-operative Championship 1 campaign. They will also be making their debut in the Carnegie Challenge Cup in 2011.

“We are looking forward to an exciting second year at South Wales Scorpions,” said chairman Phil Davies. “Our Championship 1 season will be starting in early March and we can’t wait to play in the Carnegie Challenge Cup for the first time and be on the road to Wembley. We’ll have news of some pre-season friendlies soon as well as a lot  more exciting developments for the club so watch this space.”