ESSEX COUNTY RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION

Early day motion 1595, tabled 15 July 2003 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 4 members.

That this House welcomes the decision of the Rugby Football Union to allow Essex County Rugby Football Union to become a separate constitutent body, bringing to an end its 113 years' membership of the Eastern Counties Rugby Union; wishes the combined counties of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, who will continue as the Eastern Counties, continued success; recognises that Essex County Rugby Football Union is worthy of being accepted by the Rugby Football Union as a constituent body in its own right; notes that previous applications in 1972, 1975 and 1977 were unsuccessful; congratulates all involved in the campaign on this occasion; believes that the formation of the new Essex County Rugby Football Union is in the best interests of the sport and all 43 clubs in the county; and looks forward to Essex becoming county champions.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1, Labour 1.