Rugby league: Eagles blame RFL for Cup withdrawal

EDINBURGH EAGLES have accused British Rugby League authorities of stubbornness after being told to play a first-round Carnegie Challenge Cup tie on the weekend of a Scotland 
international at Meggetland.

As a consequence of revised Cup scheduling – the first round usually takes place early in January – and the refusal of the RFL to budge from the new allocated date on the weekend of October 27/28 when England Knights are being entertained, Eagles have withdrawn.

The Capital outfit, who qualified as Scottish champions, say they are “victims of our own success” in a statement.

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“We are disappointed to announce that we are unable to enter the Carnegie Challenge Cup 2013,” it said.

“The Rugby Football League has changed the normal start date for the preliminary rounds (and) Eagles are currently being represented on the professional international stage by Dave Vernon, Craig Borthwick, Tom Murray and Callum 
Cockburn.

“The RFL have not allowed any flexibility in the dates for this fixture even though there is a representative match 
acknowledged by the governing body.

“We are therefore unable to enter the competition with a squad capable of competing.

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“We feel that the RFL has let the club down as we look to develop and attract the quality players in the Edinburgh

area to play rugby league.”

The RFL have been contacted by the Evening News for a 
response to Eagles’ claims.