Gordon have announced plans to join forces with Manly, Norths & Warringah to create a combined ‘North Harbour’ side which will compete in the NRC

Gordon RFC Media Release –

Members and supporters will be aware that the ARU has recently announced plans for the creation of a so called Third Tier of Australian Rugby to commence at the end of the 2014 Premiership season.

There has been much speculation and conjecture for some time now about the ARU’s plans for the Third Tier and how it will impact on club Rugby. To the extent any clubs have been able to gain insight into the ARU’s thinking, the GRFC has been as active as possible.

Given the uncertainties about the structure, the costing and the timing of the ARU’s Third Tier, it has simply not been possible to provide any coherent message to members and supporters until now.

The Board has been actively engaged in discussions with various clubs within the Shute Shield with a view to protecting, not only the interests of GRFC, but also the wider interests of the Shute Shield Rugby community.

Whilst the precise terms of the Club’s involvement in the Third Tier have yet to be finalised, the Board is very pleased to confirm that the Club, together with our traditional rivals, Northern Suburbs, Manly and Warringah, have committed to lodging an expression of interest for a north of Sydney Harbour team to participate in the Third Tier. Inherent in this proposal, are a number of non negotiable points agreed by all participants, namely:-

1. An equal “buy in” by each club;

2. An equal sharing of whatever benefits may flow from the joint venture;

3. Strict “non poaching” provisions to ensure the integrity of each club’s playing roster;

4. An equal number of players from each participating club to be engaged in the joint venture with the balance of the squad made up on an “as needs” basis regardless of club of origin;

5. Equal sharing of facilities and relevant “intellectual property” to ensure the joint venture, and more importantly, the players selected, have every opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and reach their full potential as Rugby players.

A combined North Harbour side may offer an opportunity for the likes of Jack Dempsey (Gordon), Harry Bergelin (Manly), Will Miller (Norths) & Dave Feltscheer (Warringah) to experience a higher level of rugby – Photos: seiserphotography.com

There is obviously a lot of work still to be done and, indeed, there are no guarantees the joint venture will be accepted by the ARU who will make the ultimate decision.In working towards a joint venture rather than seeking to participate in the Third Tier as stand-alone entities, each of the north of Sydney Harbour clubs have recognised the cost and stress that such move would impose upon them. They also share the view that the entry of stand-alone clubs into the Third Tier competition will have serious negative consequences for the integrity of the Shute Shield itself.

As and when more concrete information is available, details will be provided to you. In the meantime, however, members may be assured that the Board will continue to do all it can to ensure GRFC retains its position as one of the great Rugby nurseries of Australia and returns to its pre-eminence within the Shute Shield.

Members should be alert to the fact the new competition will require an adjustment to the start and finish dates of the Shute Shield in 2014. As soon as the draw has been adjusted, details will be posted on the website.

In the meantime, if any members or supporters have queries in relation to the Third Tier, please do not hesitate to contact either Graeme Hearl or Peter Sherwood through the Club’s office.

Graeme Hearl
Chair Finance and Governance Committee
Gordon Rugby Football Club Limited