The Annual General Meeting of Masters Rugby League took place at Brighouse A.R.L.F.C on Sunday with 54 Member clubs in attendance and representation from all regions.
Chairman, Peter Longbottom, thanked clubs for their enthusiasm throughout a hugely successful 2023 which included record breaking participation numbers and a wonderful National Festival in Blackpool.
2024 will be another exciting year for Masters RL with the launch of the England Masters Lionhearts now confirmed. Clubs were informed that players will need to have attended a minimum of three Masters festivals this season and be nominated by Team Managers to be eligible for selection.
Any person who is interested in the applying for the England Masters Lionhearts staff voluntary roles should read the selection process documents on Masters RL (rugby-league.com) – all application forms can be found on the AGM slides.
With new Community Game laws regarding tackle height coming into place for 2024, members were also updated on new the rules surrounding the mandated off season – this will begin on Monday 18 November with a phased return to contact from Monday 13 January 2025 before full contact in training is permitted from Monday 10 February, festivals and fixtures will resume on the weekend of 22/23 February.
On Sunday, it was confirmed that seven new teams will be playing Masters this year – including several women’s teams and with this area considered a key area of growth for the RFL, the AGM gave Women’s Office, Mina Patel, a chance to discuss with clubs the benefits of adding a women’s team to their roster.
Masters Chairman, Peter Longbottom, says:
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our Member Clubs for demonstrating their responsibility around the new head and concussion rulings. Everyone understands the challenges 2024 will present, however, I believe these new rulings will be met with the spirit of Masters.”
RFL Social Officer, Bradley Kelk, adds:
“Sunday’s AGM was a very productive gathering of clubs and I’d like to thank the Masters Management Group for their work last year. We have several application and nomination forms which can be found via the AGM slides which will be sent to clubs.
“We’re inviting all Masters Match Officials and Team Managers to a Community Tackle Height Framework Workshop on Monday 19 February (7-8pm), if you’d like any more information then please email me on Bradley.kelk@rfl.co.uk.”
More information on all things Masters Rugby League visit Masters RL (rugby-league.com).
2024 Masters Festivals
Saturday 23 March - Season Launch Festival
Saturday 27 April - Cumbria Festival
Saturday 11 May – South Festival
Saturday 15 June – North East Festival
Saturday 6 July – Yorkshire Festival
Saturday 10 August – Lancashire Festival
Saturday 7 September – National Festival
