The reigning champions Prebbleton Colts are facing a challenging season ahead as they struggle to field a team due to a shortage of players. The club has been dealing with player departures, aging out, and a young under-18 team that lacked numbers in the previous season.
Senior club captain Derek Todd recently stated that the club only has eight to 10 registered players for the upcoming season and is exploring options to recruit more players or potentially merge with another club. However, it seems that these plans have been put on hold, and Prebbleton will not be fielding a Colts team this year, with some players already in the process of joining other clubs.
Todd confirmed that not having a Colts team this season is being considered, but it has not been officially decided yet and still needs to be approved by the executive committee. Ellesmere Rugby chair Leslie Greenslade mentioned that fluctuations in player numbers are common among clubs and that it is a challenge many clubs face.
Todd remains hopeful that this issue will not have any long-term effects on the club, emphasizing that many senior players did not necessarily play Colts at the club they are currently in. The Ellesmere Colts competition is set to begin on April 26th, and Prebbleton’s absence will surely be felt.
