| Message from RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney |
| My
thoughts and those of all of us at the RFU are with everyone impacted
by COVID-19 as well as recent flooding events, both across the country
at large but also within our own rugby union community. In order to provide clarity and to assist with immediate and longer term planning, the RFU is today announcing the end of the 2019/20 rugby season for all league, cup and county rugby in England. The only exception to this is the Gallagher Premiership, who we are in active discussions with to review possible best next steps. When current government advice on social distancing measures changes, we will naturally encourage rugby training and friendlies to recommence. I would like to personally thank everyone for their swift actions in suspending rugby activity, this is not an easy time and I know many of you will have concerns that go beyond the game. We are working through the implications of ending the season early and have instigated a thorough process to ensure fair and balanced outcomes for the game. We will communicate these outcomes by the middle of April. While we would like to provide all the answers now, we need some time to get it right for the best interests of the game. Rest assured we are working on this as a priority and we will continue to send weekly updates to clubs. The three areas of focus for the RFU right now are Welfare, Implications and Reboot. Welfare We are ensuring colleagues and communities are given support to follow government advice and are providing recommendations on how to stay fit and healthy using individual training programmes. We are also talking to government about how we can deploy and mobilise our own resources across England to support the vulnerable. Implications Every union is different, with unique structures and challenges and the RFU needs to manage its own particular complexities. Our business model is similar to most rugby clubs – we earn revenue from events on and off the field and we invest that back into the game. We benefit from strong Twickenham Stadium revenues but we are also exposed if there is widespread cancellation of games and events. In this extraordinary situation we are working through a range of potential financial scenarios dependent mainly on the length of this crisis. This was already budgeted to be a loss making year within a 4 year cycle due to the costs of the 2019 RWC campaign and only hosting two home Six Nations games. The loss will now be considerably more as we face challenges similar to businesses across the entire country. There may well also be much longer term financial implications which we are assessing now. It is therefore taking us some time to develop a considered position on how we can support clubs and the rugby community, which we will do. We have already undertaken financial measures to safeguard the business enabling us to review all options and programmes to provide support for clubs in these difficult times. We welcome the measures announced by Government which could provide crucial support to professional and community clubs and the RFU. We are in regular contact with Sport England and The Sport and Recreation Alliance to understand how business rate relief and hardship funds can be accessed by clubs and will be providing assistance to make sure every club who is eligible will be supported. The implications for all areas of rugby will be thoroughly worked through and solutions discussed and developed with the clubs. Reboot Our welfare advice before the start of next season will switch to offering guidance on how players at all levels can reboot and get match ready. We will work closely with constituent bodies to support clubs, competition organisers and the wider rugby community in preparing to re-start rugby in what is likely to be a challenging environment. In recent days we have all been inspired by the many stories across the rugby family working together to support those who are the most vulnerable in their community – this encapsulates the unique spirit of rugby. I am confident that this spirit and resilience during these tough times will ensure we will come through this together and emerge stronger. Take care and stay safe, Bill Sweeney |
Adult Competitions Review Clubs Meeting
Alan Milliner, Cornwall Club Representative on the RFU Council, is to Chair a meeting, re the above, at Bodmin RFC on Monday 23rd March, commencing at 7 pm.
All club secretaries and club reps to the CRFU have been advised of this meeting by CRFU Secretary Terry Williams.
It is hoped to see someone representing each cornish club on the night.
Alan is keen to get a collective club view on the proposals so that he can best represent your views with the RFU.
CRFU Cups Semi-Finals
Saturday 22nd February sees various semi-finals in the Tribute CRFU Cups.
Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup
St. Agnes v Hayle
Camborne School of Mines v Newquay Hornets (this fixture will be played as a double-header on Saturday 21-3-20
Tribute Cornwall Clubs Plate
Lankelly-Fowey v St. Just
Bodmin v Illogan Park
Tribute Cornwall Clubs Vase
Helston v Roseland
Perranporth v Stithians
Tribute Cornwall Clubs Shield Final (to be played on Finals day)
Camelford v Redruth Albany
Tribute Duchy Cup
Launceston II v Camborne II
Redruth II v Wadebridge Camels II
Tribute Duchy Plate
St. Austell II v Bodmin II
Falmouth II v Bude II
Tribute Duchy Vase Final (to be played on Finals day)
Veor II v Penryn II
Kernow leagues update
Subsequent to an earlier post made on 23rd January, it is evident that some clubs are still not following the format as detailed below;
- Results must be texted to 07797800103 by the home club by 5.30 pm.
- Then both sides use the card www.duchyrugby.co.uk/card
- For any Cornwall 1 or 2 side that is not used to this system it is much simpler than the RFU system.
The other great news is that the groups will have a conclusion top 4 will play each other on 18th April 1v4, 2v3 with final for each group on 25th April, highest placed finalist in each group will host.
Dave Saunter
Chairman Cornwall RFU
RFU-Adult Male Future Competitions Survey
The RFU want to hear from players to find out what sort of competitions you want to play in the future.
Click on the link to go to the survey and follow the instructions.
Kernow Leagues off to a great start
The post Christmas fixtures for Cornwall 1,2 and second teams have been going at a pace with some interesting results.
The fixtures are going ahead weather permitting and the response from the clubs has been great, with loads of positive comments. Feedback from the organisers is: Results must be texted to 07797800103 then the card we are using is found at www.duchyrugby.co.uk/card
It’s a much simpler card then pre-Christmas.
The other great news is that the groups will have a conclusion. Top 4 will play each other on 18th April 1v4 2v3 with final for each group on 25th April, highest placed finalist in each group will host.
Saunts Chairman CRFU
