On 21 September 2022 representatives from SRFC and the Stourbridge Lions met with a view to agreeing a positive and unified pathway forward. A large amount of common ground was agreed between the parties.

The Lions committee had been offered the opportunity to return to train and play at Stourton Park from the 14th of September, however due to commitments at other midlands clubs they were not in a position to do so without further assurances. As a result of subsequent negotiations Stourbridge Lions returned to training and playing at Stourton park from Saturday 15th October 2022.

Stourbridge Lions are fully welcomed back and we look forward to continuing our positive engagement and discussions with their Committee to help facilitate the smooth running of the remainder of the 2022/23 season and the Lions reintegration fully into SRFC as from September 2023.

Why is reintegration delayed until September 2023?

Members of SRFC and the Lions may also be aware of the proposal put forward by the Lions Committee for prompt reintegration/merger of SLRFC into SRFC. This proposal has subsequently been supported by the request for a Special General Meeting of Members of SRFC to consider the Lion’s Proposal.

Unfortunately, due to RFU Regulations all mergers have to take place during the close season. In addition to this, the prior written consent of the RFU is required before any merger can take place.

However, regardless of the rules and regulations, both SRFC and the Lions have a common understanding that SRFC and the Lions would like to see the Lions reintegrated back into SRFC, with the Lion’s maintaining a league status. As a result, the current proposed SGM is no longer appropriate and further communications on this will be forthcoming in the future.
Discussions are to continue as to how reintegration may be achieved where each party will consider the essence of the Lions Proposal and the SRFC Proposals with a view to setting out points of principal for a workable synergy for all male senior sides.

Furthermore, both clubs have agreed to regularly meet again to finalise the terms for the use of the SRFC facilities for the 2022/2023 season. SRFC will aim for these exact terms to be finalised and agreed with the Lions by no later than the end of November 2022, post FGM and will discuss this proposed timeline further with the Lions. Alfred Edwards the independent Governance Chairman is working with the SRFC Committee to ensure that all governance obligations are fulfilled for that of a modern-day Community Rugby club.

Whilst this process is ongoing, the Lions are to continue training and playing at Stourton Park.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

SRFC Management Committee