In an effort to bolster rugby union in both towns, the Glen Innes Elks and Tenterfield Bumblebees will be joining forces for the coming New England season.
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The two clubs' proposal to play alongside each other was officially approved at last week's New England Rugby Union management meeting.
The collaboration between the two clubs will see the Bees play in the third grade competition, the Elks in second grade while the women link up and play under the Elks banner.
"We are not merging with Glen, we are staying as separate clubs," Tenterfield president Jeremy Phipps said.
"We are short of numbers again this year but that is why we are going to New England.
"Glen are in a funny predicament as well, they have 25 or 30 guys, a team and a half.
"Glen will have their second grade and we will have our third grade and the surplus players from Glen will drop back and help some of our numbers that we are short on."
The two towns have a history of players representing both clubs and joining forces is a natural fit.
"It is just a good way to keep both clubs strong going forward," Phipps said.
"When we had to fold mid-season last year, five guys went and played for Glen which helped them keep their third grade alive last year."
For the Elks, they have too many players for one grade but not enough for two grades.
Throughout recent seasons, players have backed up and played multiple grades on game day.
"Speaking with Tom [Elks president Tom Benton] they are trying to build themselves up to a true two-team club," Phipps said.
"They tried to do it last year and struggled with numbers and stuff.
"Hopefully by merging and doing that they can keep those guys interested and we can build our club up back to having strong numbers again."
Both clubs have already begun on-field preparations with pre-season events.
The Bees hosted their pre-season fundraiser which featured both clubs while the Elks participated in the Armidale Blues knockout carnival in the men's and women's divisions.
They will host the Blues for pre-season trials at Elk Park on April 9.