Two community clubs have been hit with heavy disciplinary sanctions by the RFL.
14:20, 22 May 2026Updated 14:21, 22 May 2026
Two community clubs have been hit with activity suspensions by the Rugby Football League.
Two community clubs have been hit with heavy disciplinary sanctions by the Rugby Football League for “unacceptable behaviour” – including abuse towards match officials.
East Leeds and Moldgreen have been suspended from rugby league activity involving open age, youth and junior teams – excluding primary school ages – for two weeks following incidents in two separate games.
Both clubs have since held meetings with the RFL to improve behaviour standards, with the governing body working to ensure the sport remains a “safe, respectful and enjoyable environment” for all participants.
A fixture between Moldgreen and Thornhill Trojans was abandoned in the second half following alleged crowd trouble, while East Leeds had three players sent off during their National League Division One clash with visitors Dewsbury Moor.
A recent statement from Huddersfield-based Moldgreen read: “Following the match which took place on Saturday 16th May between Thornhill Trojans and Moldgreen ARLFC, there have been allegations made that Moldgreen supporters had entered the field of play and assaulted an opposition player.
“These allegations are categorically false.
“An independent review was undertaken by the RFL on Tuesday 19th May, which included a review of the referee’s head-cam footage.
“The review conclusively confirmed that a Thornhill Trojan player left the field of play, going beyond the protective barrier to confront and subsequently assault a Moldgreen supporter.
“Since this incident and the subsequent abandonment of the game at Thornhill, our club has co-operated fully with the requirements of the RFL and associated authorities.”
The RFL has since released a statement, which said: “Following incidents involving East Leeds RLFC and Moldgreen RLFC on Saturday 16 May, the RFL has taken the decision to suspend Rugby League activity involving Open Age, Youth and Junior teams at both clubs until the weekend of 6/7 June. This suspension does not apply to Primary Rugby League age groups.
“The incidents involved unacceptable behaviour, including abandoned fixtures and abuse directed towards match officials.”
“Both clubs have engaged in meetings with the RFL constructively and have committed to implementing measures aimed at improving behaviour standards, strengthening matchday management processes, and reinforcing respect towards match officials and volunteers across all sections of the club.
“The RFL continues to work closely with clubs across the Community Game to reinforce standards of behaviour, protect participants and volunteers, and ensure Rugby League remains a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment for all involved.”
