Disappointed U12s don't get to play

Having already heard some inaccuracies as to why the U12s Clifton v OBs game did not take place today I thought I should provide the facts.

Just before we were due to play OBs I was asked by the OB's coach that we play new rules. As a Gloucestershire club on the county borders we understand that clubs playing new rules are unable to play old rules. As a team we respect this and always play the new rules in such circumstances for safety and to allow the game to take place.

It was then asked if we would swap players on opposition teams around so that we played "Barbarian" type sides. This was something we had never come across before and found odd when both sides had enough players to field a team plus subs. I declined the offer and said that we would like to play as a team. The OB's coach left the decision to his players. I was not in on the conversation but they decided not to play us as Clifton wanted to play as a team rather than mix players around.

Both sides then trained separately and OBs were offered post match food.

I am still bemused why a team would come to a club and on the day ask to swap club players around without any prior notice. Whilst I was informed that this was the new RFU style of playing I was further bemused that none of the other age groups were requested to swap players around. Maybe just an U12s thing?

Apologies to the families who came to watch especially Theo's Grandfather and aunt who had travelled from Wales especially for the match.

Apologies to the p