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County Championships axed for 2020/21 season

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A statement from the CRFU

Following the announcement from RFU CEO Bill Sweeney concerning cut backs envisaged by the RFU to get through the financial effects of the covid pandemic, CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter made the following comments;

“You will no doubt have heard the sad news that the aspirational pathway from the RFU has been cancelled for the 20/21 season. This means no Bill Beaumont Cup, Gill Burns Cup, Jason Leonard Cup or U18s divisional programme. It will also mean no England Counties rugby for any of the age groups.

“This was part of an announcement by Bill Sweeney RFU CEO which also included the loss of 139 jobs across the RFU, locally our own team of Jonny Stephenson, Phil Morris and Neil Smith are all under threat of redundancies. I’m sure like me you will be crossing fingers and toes, so that their jobs are saved, they are an integral part of our team and we hope the future is good for them.

“The County via the management board who are currently meeting via Microsoft teams every fortnight are already talking to our neighbours and other Counties about some sort of County rugby next year. You can be certain we will do all in our power to make sure we have the opportunity of watching the Black and Gold shirt at one of the County grounds.

“As an example of Management Board work, we are part way through a programme of having clubs tested for legionella within their water supply. Twenty-two clubs have taken us up on this at a cost of £3520, paid for by the RFU via the County.

“Whilst this is a hard time for all of us I would also like to thank all the clubs who were able to Support our NHS with their immunisation programme. All clubs who took part gave their venues for free, a great example of Cornish Rugby spirit.

“We now wait for when we can get back to pulling our boots on and hopefully the 2020/21 season can start. In the meantime stay safe and remember the County via the RFU does have finances to help.”

John Sumnall, CRFU President added, “The sad news that we are to lose the County Championship for a second year is only tempered by the latest news that there will be a loss of 139 jobs at the RFU together with a considerable remodelling of the organisation.

“Thankfully, Cornwall is determined to play some County Rugby at all levels in the coming season and planning has already begun.

The RFU have stated their continuing 3 aims are:

• Supporting the community game and our member clubs – which are the life blood of our game.  

• Maintaining our ability to compete and win in the performance arena.  

• Delivering on our purpose of enriching lives, introducing more people and more diversity to rugby union while developing the sport for future generations. 

“We very much hope the County Championship, at all levels, will be part of this in seasons to come.”

County Treasurer, Andy Richards added. “Whilst it is obviously sad to be losing the revenue from two home fixtures, our thoughts should be with Jonny and his team, hopefully they will get through this second threat of redundancy in two years. I’m sure we will have some format of County rugby at the different levels during the season to come.”

Dave Saunter added. “If any club needs help please contact me on my mobile 07554010480.”

Dave Saunter

Chairman, CRFU Management Board.

RFU Community Game Update 7th July

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) update Please find below the thirtieth edition of our coronavirus (Covid-19) update.

There’s an update on two enhancements being introduced to the Game Management System for the 2020/21 season and news that a webinar is scheduled for Thursday 9 July to provide more clarity on these developments.

To access the rest of the update, click on the link

Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and updates here.

Past editions of these twice-weekly updates can be found on this part of the website. Click here if you need to find a previous edition.		 

A message to the Rugby Union Community in England from RFU CEO Bill Sweeney

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My thoughts and those of all of us at the RFU are with everyone impacted by COVID-19, both across the country but also within our own rugby union community.

As you will be aware the long-term financial challenges are significant for the whole economy. We like many rugby clubs rely on revenue from matches and events at Twickenham Stadium and we re-invest this revenue back into the game.

Our detailed scenario modelling shows there may be a short-term impact of £107 million in lost revenues and we also know there will be a much longer-term effect. We are projecting a 4-5 year recovery with cumulative revenue reductions of around 20%.

To read the rest of Bill’s message click on the link

RFU Community Game Update, Tuesday 30th June

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update Please find below the twenty-ninth edition of our Coronavirus (Covid-19) update.

We have now published resources to support those clubs who may wish to re-open their facilities from Saturday 4 July.

We have also provided more detailed information regarding a return to competitive playing for the 2020/21 season.

To read the rest of the communique please click on the link

Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and updates here.

Past editions of these twice-weekly updates can be found on this part of the website. Click here if you need to find a previous edition.		 

Paddy McGovan – R.I.P.

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Paddy McGovan (Redruth & Cornwall)

Cornwall RFU were saddened to learn of the passing of former county player Paddy McGovan who was 84 years of age.

Paddy, a formidable flanker with Redruth, played 30 times for Cornwall between 1957-65.

He played for the South West Counties against South Africa at Camborne in 1960 and New Zealand at the old county ground in Exeter in 1963.

He was also an England trialist on 4 occasions.

The President, and everyone involved with Cornwall RFU wish to convey their sincerest condolences to Paddy’s family and friends.

RFU Community Game Update – 26th June

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update Please find below the twenty-eighth edition of our Coronavirus (Covid-19) update.

Today we lead on the plans for competitive matches (league and cup) in the adult and age-grade game next season, once the government gives the go ahead for rugby to restart.

To read the full communique click on the link

Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and updates here.

Past editions of these twice-weekly updates can be found on this part of the website. Click here if you need to find a previous edition.		 

Return to Competitive Playing for 2020/21 Season

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There are a range of 2020/21 competition models that can be applied at different season start dates as and when it is deemed safe to return to play i.e. when we reach Phase F on the RFU Return to Rugby roadmap. The models allow for any potential interruption in the season as a result of Covid-19, while providing clubs, schools, colleges, universities and players with a framework for meaningful competitive rugby with greater flexibility to enable games to be played.  

Model 1 if rugby resumes in September 2020

Model 2 if rugby resumes in November 2020

Model 3 if rugby resumes in January 2021

The models were developed by two working groups, one for the adult game and the other for age grade rugby, and the outcomes were approved by the RFU Governance Committee last week.  Each group has considered player welfare, flexibility in response to Covid-19, adaptable models that prioritise local matches early in the season to reduce travel, support club revenue, and maintain player participation. Headlines for each area of the game are laid out below with links to further information and FAQs where required.

To read the rest of the communication click on the link

C.R.F.U. (Virtual) A.G.M.

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The Annual General Meeting of the Cornwall RFU was held via Zoom on Wednesday 24th June.

The President of the CRFU, John Sumnall welcomed everyone to the meeting.

It is hoped to be able to hold physical AGM in October on conjunction with Union’s Financial AGM.

John thanked all the clubs for their hard work this season, especially over the past three months during the pandemic which has caused great concern for rugby and sport in general.

The President also thanked all members of the Management Board for their hard work and support over the course of the year.

He also praised our county age group sides that had been able to play some if not all their fixtures, with a special mention for our Under 20 side that did so well, after a disappointing start, to top their group and qualify for a home quarter-final. Sadly that game and the rest of the Jason Leonard Cup competition was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Chairman Dave Saunter was confirmed in his post for a further period of four years, whilst Alan Milliner, RFU Council Member, was confirmed in his post for a further three years.

John was delighted on behalf of the CRFU, to confer Paul Hurrell (Hayle RFC) as an Honorary Vice President in recognition of his sterling service.

Cornwall, Head Kit Man Paul Hurrell. ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Paul has just completed twenty years as kit man to the Senior XV.

It is hoped to make a presentation to Paul when the current situation allows.

RFU Community Game Update 23rd June

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update Please find below the twenty-seventh edition of our Coronavirus (Covid-19) update.

In light of today’s announcements on the easing of social distancing restrictions, we are in active discussions with other team sports, Sport England and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about how we accelerate some form of a return to community rugby.

We have developed guidance on the re-opening of additional club facilities, including risk assessment guidance and checklists, and this is ready to be released once the full implications of today’s announcements (particularly around reopening of bars) are understood.

Also in the next week we anticipate being able to issue an update on the plans for competitive matches (league and cup) in the adult and age-grade game next season.

To read the the remainder of the current update click on the link

Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and updates here.

Past editions of these twice-weekly updates can be found on this part of the website. Click here if you need to find a previous edition.

RFU Community Game Update June 19th

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update Please find below the twenty-sixth edition of our Coronavirus (Covid-19) update.

We’ve announced that all Adult Male Future Competition Structure virtual consultation sessions are now available on demand webinars and made a last call for feedback on this review. We’ve also provided a link to the National School Sport Week at Home campaign which starts tomorrow.

In addition, we note a new series of club support virtual webinars is running from 1 July and that SOS Kit Aid is collecting unwanted kit that clubs may have after clearing out their storage cupboards in lockdown.

We’ve received lots of great stories from rugby communities doing great things. Please do shine a light on any individuals who are leading the charge and delivering exceptional community initiatives during the pandemic and send stories to veemontebello@rfu.com or patriciamowbray@rfu.com.

We would also like to advise everyone that, as the volume of Covid-19 related news has now quietened down, twice weekly editions of the Covid-19 Community Game Update will become weekly from Tuesday 30 June and we will revert to a monthly Community Game Update to communicate more general updates from July.

Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and updates here.

Past editions of these twice-weekly updates can be found on this part of the website. Click here if you need to find a previous edition.

Click on link for remainder of this update		 
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