End of Season Update
We are all now fully aware that the 2019/20 season for rugby union has come to an abrupt end through unprecedented circumstances. A number of communications have been published directly from the RFU and ourselves regarding the situation around the end of season and the effect that has both on playing and sustainability of clubs.
Funding
We wanted to reassure our members that as a union, we have already been making plans to support clubs over the coming months and have accepted the RFU’s offer to CB’s to match fund those who can use money from their own reserves. These funds are available for all our member clubs to access to support grass roots rugby through these difficult times. The emergency loan fund application process is online today (7th April) https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/coronavirus/loans
We continue to urge you to access Government support packages for small businesses. There is a great resource tool available on the RFU website with some very helpful advice on how to access support also, including loans and grants https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/coronavirus
League Standings
On a positive note, we are pleased to see that the final positions in leagues has been agreed and that a number of Leicestershire clubs have been promoted or finished high in their leagues. Well done! More details can be found here https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/browse-competitions Final positions for the merit leagues have also been calculated and are available here https://leicestershirerugbyunion.co.uk/news/leicestershire-merit-leagues-results
We were saddened that our own County Cup competitions were not completed; we look forward seeing them commence in the 20/21 season. As the Colts County Cup finalists were already known, Syston and Market Harborough respectively, we intend to hold this fixture at the start of the next season as a season opener.
LRU Presidency
We have agreed that through these exceptional circumstances, and to ensure continuity of business, the existing Executive Committee will remain in place for the 2020/21 season. This means that Barbara Crellin, President, can continue with the great work she has done in visiting clubs across the 19/20 season and can visit those she had booked in, but never made it there. John Brindley, President Elect, fully supports this decision and looks forward to his presidency in 2021/22. This also enables him to provide much needed support for his own club during these unsettled times.
Volunteer Recognition Awards
I would like to finish, by placing on record my thanks to all the hard working volunteers who, without, we could not play the game we all love. The Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition ceremony would have been due to take place in May alongside the County Cup finals at Welford Road, but has been postponed. We have a list of nominated volunteers and these will be recognised.
Dean Toon
Chairman
Leicestershire Rugby Union
Strong Heritage, Strong Future