PLANS to revamp the Eastern Counties Rugby Union structure have been put on hold, despite a majority of clubs voting in favour of the changes.

Around 75 per cent of the clubs that had their say, agreed with proposals that included relegation and promotion between a brand-new Eastern Counties 2 League, split into two divisions (North/East and South/West) and the Merit Leagues.

The changes are still likely to go ahead – probably at the start of the 2014-15 season – but Eastern Counties Rugby Union (ECRU) president Harry Moore said a delay would allow the Eastern Counties board to consider the concerns of clubs against them.

The proposals were designed to try and increase player participation – as part of a bigger drive by the RFU – with much emphasis placed on shorter and cheaper journeys for clubs and a desire for more competitive leagues.

“There was a small majority in favour of the proposals,” said ECRU president, Harry Moore, who led the focus group that devised the changes.

“We have decided not to push the changes through at the moment, because it was a small majority, but we are not dropping them either.

“The next step is to carry out some more work and put further proposals to the clubs.

Among the concerns at last Monday’s ECRU management meeting at Ipswich YM was a fear that smaller clubs gaining promotion from the Merit to Eastern Counties League would then not be able to progress any further.

This was due to bigger clubs – fielding second teams in the Suffolk Merit Leagues – not being able to move up to the London Leagues, courtesy of their first teams already being members.

A bigger emphasis on competitive games was also met with concern with Ipswich YM director of rugby Andrew Moore explaining how some players simply wanted to play socially.

Harry Moore added: “We will keep the same basic ideas.

“I am not disappointed with the outcome because I am buoyed by the fact that we have received so much input from clubs as a result of the consultation.”