Rugby club threaten Cup pull out

Ruapehu Rugby Club is threatening to withdraw from the Weekes Cup this year because it claims a rule change gives another club an unfair advantage.

The Weekes Cup is decided on the aggregate of competition points a club can achieve in the qualifying rounds of both the Premier and Senior competitions.

At December's Council of Clubs' meeting, a contentious 4-3 vote saw Wanganui Marist's motion passed where all club teams in those grades can be eligible to contribute their aggregate for the Cup.

Currently Marist is the only club with three teams eligible their Premier side and two Senior squads.

Ruapehu cried foul and has given an ultimatum either change the rule back or they will not contest the Cup in 2013.

Views are divided across the country and city lines, between those who feel it is fair if clubs work hard to create more teams and those who say they won't be able to compete against clubs with more resources.

The Weekes Cup was won by Ruapehu from 2009-11, after previously being mainly the domain of Marist and Kaierau.

In 2012 it was Pirates, thanks to an infusion of new players, who topped the pools in both Premier and Senior, ahead of Ruapehu.

The next Council of Clubs meeting on February 12 in Ohakune will discuss the vote during general business.

Suffice to say, it could be a very fiery meeting.