| The government has announced a framework for the return of recreational team sport which is applicable from Saturday 11 July. This is a welcomed development and a positive step towards the return of some form of competitive rugby. The framework was developed following discussions with other team sports, Sport England and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The next step is for the RFU to develop it’s own rugby action plan, based on the framework, specifically considering the Coronavirus transmission risk and demonstrating mitigations and any adaptations to the game that are required. This will need to be agreed to by government, PHE and HSE before it can be implemented within clubs. Due to the intrinsic nature of rugby and the proximity of participants, it is recognised that there is the potential for an increased risk of droplet transmission. Working with expert medical advice and applying the activity exposure framework to various formats of rugby, we will update following our discussions with government. In the short term, it is likely that the format of rugby the community game is able to play will be a modified version, not the full 15-a-side game. We will update the game as to when it can move to the next stage of the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap in the coming weeks. For now we remain at Stage B of the roadmap. Under previously announced guidance, Premiership Rugby clubs moved to Stage 2: Elite Sport Return to Training Guidance on Monday 6 July, which allows for the resumption of close contact training. This involves a detailed set of protocols and includes a COVID-19 testing programme. Championship and Premier 15s clubs are eligible to return under the elite guidance should they chose to do so, or can follow the community return to rugby roadmap. We will continue to provide updates to the game throughout the process. Please click below to remind yourself of the RFU’s Return to Community Rugby Roadmap and read the latest framework for the return of recreational team sport announced by the government. Roadmap  Framework |
Spotlight on Clubs NHS Immunisation Programme
BBC Spotlight Reporter John Danks interviews CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter at Bodmin RFC regarding the Immunisation programme. The Counties clubs have stepped up to help the NHS with venues for the programme. ‘Great bit of community spirit from our clubs’ said Saunter.
Cornwall delighted to renew Crawshay’s link
Cornwall RFU are delighted that Crawshay’s Welsh will be visiting the Duchy in 2022 for a fixture against the county side in what will be their centenary season.
A post on the Crawshay’s website summed the excitement for this fixture held by both camps.
We are delighted that Cornwall County, the current English County champions, have agreed to a fixture in our Centenary Year in 2022. The fixture will be played at Camborne RFC, with the exact date yet to be decided.
Both sets of Committee’s are really excited about renewing our traditional rivalry, and it is hoped the fixture can be elevated to be part of a Mini Tour to Cornwall.
More details will follow shortly.
Dave Martin of the CRFU wrote the following about the history of Crawshays and their tours to Cornwall;
Captain Geoffrey Crawshay was invited to take a team of Welsh players to play Devonport Services in 1922. The following year the now annual touring party crossed the Tamar to play Camborne. These tours continued into the 1960s, when in the 1965-66 season, Cornwall took over the fixture and defeated Crawshays at Camborne by 17 points to 10. This became an annual fixture, always played at Camborne, with one exception, in 1969-70, it was played at Redruth.
In the 1980s visits became spasmodic, but Crawshay’s XV played a part in Cornwall’s Centenary celebrations on 1983 and they returned in 1997 celebrating their 75th Anniversary.
Crawshays entertained Cornwall at Cardiff Arms Park in 1984 when the County went on a rare tour, also playing the South Wales Police.
In the 1990s leagues had been introduced, the County Championship was moved to May and the game went “open”! Crawshays tours became more ambitious and for Cornwall read Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, South Africa, Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, Romania. Our paths crossed in 2003 when both Cornwall and Crawshays were in the Dubai Sevens, although not in the same section.
Amongst the illustrious Welsh Internationals to tour with Crawshays in Cornwall have been Phil Bennett, Eddie Butler, Terry Cobner, Tommy David, Gerald Davies,
John Dawes, Gareth Edwards, Ieuan Evans, Steve Fenwick, Norman Gale, Terry Holmes, Arthur Lewis, Allan Martin, John Oshea, Graham Price, Delme Thomas, Brynmor Williams and ‘JJ’ and ‘JPR’ Williams.
Crawshay’s Welsh XV will celebrate it’s Centenary in 2022 and a return visit to Cornwall will be welcomed by rugby followers far and wide.
County Championships axed for 2020/21 season
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
| 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
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
| 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.
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
| 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
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.
