Netherhall's senior rugby union team will fold if new players and volunteers cannot be found.

Chairman John Shimmings warned that the senior team’s future is in jeopardy unless help is forthcoming both behind the scenes and on the field.

An urgent meeting has been called for next Friday, June 30, at the Crosby Street Club at 7.30pm.

Mr Shimmings said the meeting is crucial to the future of the first team rugby and to the club as a whole.

He added that the young Colts team will be entered into the North East and Cumbria Merit League for next year.

They also intend to organise friendlies with the small number of senior players playing with the Colts.

“I hope this last ditch attempt will help us go forward with the first team.”

Mr Shimmings said while the club is desperate for players it also needs volunteers.

“We are appealing to all those who got a lot of enjoyment from the club in the past to now come forward and put something back into the club to ensure its future,” he said.

“We have helped hundreds of players through our club. Now it is their turn to help us as volunteers, coaches or in any other way they can.

“There is so much they can do - even if it is cleaning the dressing rooms, helping with the Blues festival and more.

“But this is a rugby club and without a first team it is hard to call ourselves that.”

He said Netherhall Rugby Union Club is otherwise a successful club.

“We have a very active junior and mini section thanks to two people, Neil Carruthers and Ronnie Spencer. But these people need help.”

The club rooms at Netherhall are the base not just for rugby but for archery, a gymnasium, junior and senior football, boxing, rugby league and even a caravan park.

“It is used so much that it would be a complete tragedy if it was lost to the community,” Mr Shimmings added.