IT IS the end of an era for the Moss Vale Dragons Rugby League Club.

Group 6 Country Rugby League has announced the Dragons will withdraw from its first grade competition, effective immediately.

The decision was made on Wednesday in an agreement between Group 6 and the Moss Vale club.

It is the second time in four years the Dragons have dropped out of first grade.

In 2012, the Dragons pulled out of the competition – just two years after winning the premiership.

This week’s announcement means Group 6 will be forced to restructure its senior draw.

Group 6 president Grahame Andrews said he hoped the revamped draw would be finalised in the coming days.

“We want to finalise by the weekend for the good of the competition,” he said.

Wednesday’s announcement capped a disappointing fortnight off the field for the Dragons.

The club dropped out of reserve grade two weeks ago to move into second division (third grade).

Moss Vale had forfeited several games in reserve grade this season.

Earlier this week, Michael Sutton stood down as Moss Vale’s senior club president due to personal reasons.

Vice-president Matthew Simpson has stepped up into the president role.

Dragons head coach Robbie Payne said the club was focused on building for the future.

He said the decision to move out of first and reserve grades was made due to a lack of player numbers.

 “We were struggling in firsts and reserves, so we’ve had to pull the pin,” he said.

“We will put one foot in front of the other with the players we’ve got and build for next year.”

Moss Vale played its first game in second division on Sunday, losing 16-10 to the Mt Annan Knights.