Over the past few seasons we and many other Yorkshire Clubs have been pressing YRFU to have another vote on including 2ndXV’s within the Yorkshire League structure. The main reason for this was that our 2nd XV were not playing enough quality fixtures throughout the season. The Merit tables were clearly struggling to provide fixtures and the Yorkshire Premiership league was down to only 8 clubs last season.
The process started with an East Yorkshire meeting at Driffield in February, which was chaired by Ian Connell, YRFU Chairman. Ian has been very proactive on this issue and Hull Ionians would like to thank Ian for his time and effort in making this happen. This meeting was very well attended and it was clear that there were contrasting views on the merits of 2ndXV’s entering the league structure. Following similar meetings in North, South & West Yorkshire there was another Vote organised in April by YRFU. 66 Clubs registered to vote and the results were:
Lower XV in Leagues: 36 in favour; 29 against; 1 Abstention
14 Team Leagues: 49 in favour; 16 against; 1 Abstention

Now came the difficult part of restructuring the leagues for Levels 7, 8, 9 & 10 i.e. Yorks 1, Yorks 2, Yorks 3 & Yorks 4. The YRFU needed to consult with the RFU as they needed to agree to what was being proposed. This proved a difficult and lengthy process as, we had 38 new teams to include, along with the 52 existing teams, in the Yorks Leagues. The RFU would not allow Yorks 1 to be altered this season and it had to remain at 12 clubs. This had a knock on effect which means that at Yorks 2 level we would have 2 leagues of 12 clubs. It is hoped that both Yorks 1 & 2 will move to 14 Clubs for season 2027/28.
The 1st draft leagues came out on 21st May. The 1st Draft had us in the opposite league to Beverley, Driffield 2ndXV , Pocklington 2ndXV and Malton & Norton 2ndXV which we immediately objected to as this would deny us some interesting local derby’s. This was taken on board by YRFU and following 2 further drafts we now have the final draft for levels 7,8, 9 & 10 i.e. Yorks 1 (12 teams), Yorks 2 A & B (Both 12 teams), Yorks 3 A & B (Both 10 teams) and Yorks 4 A, B & C (with one at 10 teams and 2 at 12 Teams).
This will provide our 2ndXV with more quality fixtures for Season 2026/27 and involve other local Clubs 1st & 2nd XV’s. This can only be positive for ourselves as a Club, our players, supporters and sponsors and, for the game as a whole in Yorkshire.
The 2ndXV now need your support!
Fixtures for our 2ndXV will be announced as soon as possible.

Chris Taylor – Secretary