Rugby UnionTROUBLED Hadleigh have exited the London Leagues and will start the 2007/08 season in Eastern Counties League 2.The move comes following a particularly difficult season for the club, in which they have already missed two matches due to lack of players and were looking at calling off this weekend's clash with Diss, which would have meant they would automatically exit London 3 North East.

Rugby Union

TROUBLED Hadleigh have exited the London Leagues and will start the 2007/08 season in Eastern Counties League 2.

The move comes following a particularly difficult season for the club, in which they have already missed two matches due to lack of players and were looking at calling off this weekend's clash with Diss, which would have meant they would automatically exit London 3 North East.

In a statement the club said that the “Executive Committee have taken the unenviable decision that the 1st XV shall cease, with immediate effect, to play its remaining fixtures in London Division 3 North East.

“Consequently, Hadleigh RUFC will play no further part in the London League this season and the Club will apply to join Eastern Counties 2 for the start of 2007/8 season.”

Chairman John Halls said: “This season has been the most difficult season in the club's short history and it was not a decision anyone at the club wanted to take. However, the Executive Committee felt that the long-term interests of the club have to come first.

“It was therefore agreed to make the decision now and allow the London League and the clubs in Division 3 NE to make the necessary arrangements and for Hadleigh RUFC to focus on next season and re-building its future.

Consequently, Eastern Counties will become the platform from which the club will re-build senior rugby at Hadleigh and, it is hoped, will inspire their return to London League within the next five years.

Halls added: “We have a thriving Youth and Minis section with under 17's coming through from next season and they will help us build the future of the club. Rugby is still very much alive and part of the Hadleigh community and I hope I can count on the continued support, enthusiasm and involvement of our players, supporters, members and the Hadleigh community.”