WHARFEDALE are set to know the updated plan for their 2020/21 National League 2 North season in the next two weeks.

The National Clubs Association Rugby (NCA) revealed that meetings between Rugby Football Union and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, almost resulted in a resumption of play before the three-tier lockdown system was introduced.

This, along with the infection rates around the country increasing, forced the RFU to announce that there would be no competitive rugby in the community game until January at the earliest.

Following the ballot of all NCA clubs, it was found that there was a 11-5 against in National One alone for a 15-match league season.

The NCA concurred, understanding that it would be difficult to operate a meaningful season due to potential local lockdowns, player infection and travel restrictions.

Chairman John Inverdale believes the possibility of full contact club rugby at levels three and four is still not too far away though.

He said: “It’s now just a question of waiting and seeing how these latest measures impact on the virus.

"If it’s clear they are working, then it might not be too long before we’re off and running.

"What kind of competitive rugby would emerge was not yet decided.”

One option being considered is a cup competition with finals at prestige locations.

Inverdale added: "This would give players and spectators incentives, but also encourage commercial partners to remain involved throughout the second half of the season.

“Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to get the game going again, but the NCA cannot operate unilaterally.

"The RFU has been very supportive of the concerns being voiced by NCA Clubs and they are holding a couple of hugely important meetings over the next 10 days.

"I would hope we will have a definitive decision on what kind of a season lies ahead within the next fortnight.”