Main photo credit: Andy Jepson b
A rugby union team beaten 240-0 – in what is thought to be the heaviest ever defeat in the sport in Britain – have quit their league over concerns for players’ safety.
South Leicester RFC said they had taken the decision “with deep regret” after enduring a torrid season in the Midlands Premier Division, the fifth tier of English rugby.
Their other defeats this season in English rugby union’s fifth tier include defeats of 124-11, 120-0 and 127-7
IMPORTANT CLUB ANNOUNCEMENThttps://t.co/kzmRHsdQVm pic.twitter.com/097wNYMbba
— South Leicester RFC (@SouthRfc) November 29, 2019
In a statement announcing they were quitting the league, South Leicester said: “This decision has not been taken lightly but as results have shown the lack of suitable playing strength and with the shortage of front row, the club must think of players’ safety and their well-being.”
The club – which was founded in 1919 and whose former youth players include England prop Dan Cole – reportedly lost around 30 players following their relegation last season.