Mid Wales District Rugby League officials have taken steps to save the set up from extinction, after being faced with the prospect of going into the season with just five clubs.
Rhayader’s acceptance into division seven (east) of the Swalec League this week represented the end of Radnorshire interest in the Mid Wales League, and comes after a sharp decline in membership over the past decade.
Next season only Aberystwyth University, COBRA, Llanidloes, Newtown and Welshpool will be represented by their respective second strings in a five club league set-up.
Rhayader echoed the sentiments of Trefyclawdd upon their resignation, a year ago, citing the drastic fixture shortage and spate of fixture postponements last season as a concern.
The league have taken steps to address this and will encourage their members to play midweek league fixtures next season.
Other new rules aimed at breathing new life into the league include a three player maximum on first team players.
From next season clubs can fulfil fixtures with a minimum of 12 players, while opposition players can play for teams with less than a full compliment.
Next season’s league will see clubs fulfil their league programme in the first half of the season, with the second half being used for cup and shield games.
It has also confirmed that the league table will be based on average points scored per match with an end of season play-off.
League secretary Gary Williams said: “The new format allows clubs the freedom to arrange fixtures between themselves in midweek.
“Some clubs struggled to field two sides on a Saturday, so midweek games should accommodate them.”