I cant see them separating out again tbh. all that work and pissing people off for it to last a season?
The answer lies in 2 questions -
What has the merger done for those communities?
and
What has it done for football?
To my mind there has only been 2 necessary and successful mergers in the past 10 years and one of those may need to split due to demographics in the next 5 years.
I'd say cash tech merger has given them a division 1 slot (or 2 in a few cases) in every single age group from 11s to 18s plus a strong mens section. They had a huge representation at south island tournaments in both coaching and playing numbers and will no doubt get even bigger. I think the merger was the chance for a new name, new colours and a new start but as usual the old boys network couldnt live without a lnk...
I'm guessing the potential split merger you're talking about is FC or waimak? (cant see coastal being the one needing to split).
I've already heard of divisions in waimak and north canterbury with kaiapoi town wanting to return and break free of the rangiora influence. Also been told by a reliable source hurunui may be entering in south island junior champs in the near future (but thats another kettle of fish).