The Bees earlier this week were “forcibly removed” from the men’s competition by the sport’s governing body after forfeiting their second successive match last week.

Those players who are left will now get the opportunity to continue their season with Burnie. 

Burnie Rugby Club secretary Patrick Fahy said they held a meeting after training on Tuesday night, where players expressed their support for Launceston joining them for the remainder of the season.

“The general feeling was that it’s too good an offer to pass up and having more players could only be a positive thing,” Fahy said.

“Our biggest issue this year is that we haven’t got enough players that can commit to playing week in, week out.

“We have something like 27 players on the books, but with injuries, work, and other commitments, we always end up with a lot being unavailable and that hasn’t helped our performance on the field.

“Having the Launceston players here would definitely be a boost to the Burnie club, but it also means their guys can continue to play the game.”

With three weeks until the tier two roster starts, it is hoped that the available weekends can be used as an opportunity for players at both ends to train together.

“We’ve written to their club to invite them to come and train with us this weekend and to let them know they’re welcome at our club.

“Next weekend Uni are coming up to Launceston for a trial game, which will give us a chance to play together.

“Going forward, their guys would continue to train in Launceston, but join with us for games and be registered as Burnie players.”

TRU secretary Mark Oakford said  “paid up and registered” players could continue their year with the Emus.

“We are hoping this combination might actually stiffen Burnie’s playing ability up a little bit,’’ Oakford said on Wednesday. 

“Hopefully it can help them in the statewide stuff that is to come, and hopefully there will be players that do play for them in this period.”

Meanwhile, Burnie’s North-West Coast rival Devonport will be at home this weekend, and and will host AMC Vikings at Don Recreation Ground on Saturday.

The Bulls are coming off a strong win in the derby against Burnie last week, getting over the line 150-7.