LETTER FROM TRINITY RFC CHAIRMAN RUSSELL JONES RE RFU ANNOUNCEMENT OF CANCELLATION OF ADULT COMPETITIVE LEAGUES

2 November 2020

Dear Member

I hope you and your loved ones are all keeping safe. I am sure like myself you are all missing the current “grassroots” rugby season. Hopefully Saturday’s belated final day of the Six Nations at least made the day feel like a proper Saturday even if it did remind us all of what we are missing up at Lime Meadow Avenue every weekend!

We are still unsure when we will be able to get back to playing matches. The RFU announced on Friday that the difficult decision had been made to cancel the Adult Competitive Leagues (Level 3 and below for Men, Level 2 and below for Women) for the 2020/21 season as they believe that, even if a return to full contact rugby becomes possible, playing a meaningful competitive league season resulting in promotion and relegation is no longer feasible.

However, not all hope is lost as it is still possible that we will be able to have some games this season! The RFU have been in daily contact with the Government about moving towards some form of contact rugby that will enable as many matches to take place as possible. This will then allow us to organise friendlies or set up local tournaments so that we at least have some competitive games this season.

We will continue to keep a very close eye on these discussions between the RFU and the Government and will update all of you as and when there are any developments!

Our adults and juniors have at least been able to take part in training under the current guidelines put in place by the government and RFU however following the latest developments and upcoming lockdown there are now questions around if this will be allowed to continue for both adults and juniors. The RFU are due to send out an update with regards to this on Tuesday so we will know more then!

Unfortunately, the clubhouse bar will once again be forced to close as with all other bars. Significant funds have been spent by the association to provide a COVID safe environment, which includes the new outside marquee area, so this is not idea as there will now be no income coming in over the bar to cover these expenses! Hopefully we will all be able to help make up for this loss in income with some great socials once we return to some form of normality!

We will let you know of any updates to the current situation as soon as we hear! In the meantime please all continue to stay safe.

Russell Jones

Chairman
Trinity RFC
(formerly Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC)