A proposal to explore the possibility of the two zones merging was defeated at the New England Rugby Union annual general meeting on Sunday. 

Following the AGM, which saw David Clifton re-elected president unopposed, a discussion centred on whether the zone should explore options to combine with Central North to hold a joint competition.

It became immediately clear that a merger was not popular with New England clubs.

“This proposal was one that required the unconditional support of the clubs,” Clifton said.

“Each club had a chance to speak and it was obvious from the tone that unconditional support required to make this work was simply not there.”

Talks of a merger have grown louder in the past year, with the New England competition reduced to just five first grade clubs, including a Glen Innes side that failed to win a game in 2015.

Central North president Tony Byrnes, said while disappointed, he respected the decision by New England clubs not to support the idea of a merger.

“There would be nothing gained if clubs were not in favour of the proposal,” he said.

“This decision does not mean that the two zones will not continue to look at the opportunities to develop other relationships that would ultimately benefit rugby across the wider area.”

In encouraging news for New England Rugby, the return of Wright College Rugby Club has been confirmed by the zone for 2016.

Wright indicated it would field one team next season and had 30 players training already.

All other clubs that competed in the various grades this year indicated they would return again in 2016.