Cup competitions - how will they work in 2023/24?

For the first time last year, all Division One and Two clubs started in the Richardson Cup with Premier Division sides joining in the second round.

First round losers would then compete in the Challenge Cup.

Clubs who lost in the second round of the Richardson Cup went on to play in the Presidents Cup.

It was seen as a welcome shake-up of the first team competitions which some had felt had become stale.

It was agreed by member clubs to continue with the new format in 2023/24.

The Stewart Rowe Memorial Cup - for all reserve teams - will be adapted this year.

The 25 reserve sides will be split into three groups of six teams and one group of seven in a round-robin format where every club will play each other in their group once.

The top two in each group will then proceed to the quarter finals.

There was concern over a lack of games for reserve sides last season so any Division One Reserve side now reaching the final of the Stewart Rowe Cup will have played a total of 30 games in the season - 22 league games and eight cup games.

It means there will be some midweek matches for reserve sides this season in August and maybe in April/May.

The season starts on August 5.