Bush to look at switch

The Pahiatua-based Bush Sports club may enter a team in the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union's senior first division competition next season.

Both Bush Sports and the WBRFU board held separate meetings last night to consider the viability of such a move, but a final decision could still be some days away.

Inquiries yesterday suggest there are two good reasons why Bush Sports are looking to change their allegiance from Manawatu to Wairarapa-Bush.

As winners of Manawatu's second division competition last season, they sought promotion to first division in 2012 but their application was turned down because they did not fit the criteria, which included the fielding of a suitable back-up side.

Secondly, many of their players have openly expressed a desire to play Heartland rugby, an opportunity which would become available should they play in the Wairarapa-Bush competition.

Bush Sports president Mike Burmeister labelled the move to Wairarapa-Bush as "something we are seriously considering" but emphasised nothing was yet laid in concrete. "There is still some talking to be done."

For the WBFRU board, the dilemma is what will happen to one of their current first division clubs in Puketoi should Bush Sports be welcomed into the fold.