Sides line up for cup rules row

The stand-off in Wanganui club rugby over the rules for contesting the 2013 Weekes Cup will be hotly debated in Ohakune tonight.

The February council of clubs meeting is expected to discuss during general business the contentious December 4 vote to change the rules for points accumulation in the senior and premier grades towards the Weekes Cup.

Wanganui Marist's motion that all teams under a club banner be included rather than one team in each grade narrowly passed 4-3.

The city-based club is currently the only one with three potential teams across both competitions.

Ruapehu Rugby and Sports Club have threatened to withdraw themselves from Weekes Cup contention unless the vote is rescinded, stating the law change unfairly favours Marist.

Fellow country clubs Taihape and Utiku have backed that stance, while city clubs Kaierau and 2012 cup holders Pirates support the change.

Neither the Border nor Ratana club delegates were at the December meeting and their views could be crucial tonight if it is decided to take another vote.

Mr A G Weekes was a businessman who played representative rugby for Wanganui from 1918-20.

He also played for the then Wanganui Old Boys club during that period.