Roma Echidnas need more players to survive

Roma Rugby Union Club battles for survival as player numbers dwindle.

PLAYERS WANTED: Roma Echidnas (left) need more players to ensure they can take part in this year's Darling Downs Rugby Union competition. Picture: Sarah Dionysius

RUGBY UNION: The Roma Echidnas are fighting for their survival.

Set a Thursday, April 5 deadline, the club needs more registered players to ensure their place in this year's Darling Downs Rugby Union competition.

An ageing squad is the cause of the problem, according to club president Nick Cook.

"We haven't got those young blokes coming through replacing the older guys,” Cook said.

"Some players just haven't fully committed to playing but the problem is mostly that younger age bracket.

"Normally they'd come back for their gap year after finishing school but a lot of them aren't coming back.”

A recent call to arms bought a few extra players to the club but more are needed.

"We're probably around the 15 player mark but we need 23 players registered online by the end of next week,” Cook said.

"We've reduced our registration fee from $200 to $130 to make playing more viable.

"The club gets next to nothing from the fee but really we just want to have a team.”

Interested players can attend training at the Echidnas clubhouse from 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursday or at Roma Snap Fitness from 6.30pm Wednesday.

Players can also contact Cook on 0427 781 925.

Originally published as Roma Echidnas need more players to survive