Eastern Counties Rugby Union

The most recent Council Meeting included a vote to defer the implementation of the Adult Male Competitions Review until the 2022/23 season – this hopefully allows a full season of League/Merit Table matches that will then properly determine promotion and relegation, as well as some other alterations. A further Council review will take place at the February meeting, with a confirmatory vote at the April meeting (Item 6 below). Whilst there is still a great deal of detail required at Level 7 and below, the recommendations about having pre-Christmas fallow weekends, and a move to have Cup matches played after the conclusion of the League season make a great deal of sense, and I cannot see any reason why these should not be introduced for the 2021/22 season. If you think differently, then please say so!
Now that the RFU Staffing re-structure has been completed we are gradually seeing those that have survived returning to work, either full-time, or on limited hours. Most of the new appointees have made contact with us, but it is inevitable that they will need some time to get to know us. I would ask for some patience from you as we build up a working relationship with them, and guide then to what we believe is in the best interests of Eastern Counties. Given the reduced number of available RFU Staff, you are advised to e-mail questions to: clubsupport@rfu.com
The need to ‘measure’ the state of the Game is one that is now being directed through the Community Game Board, and I am linking in with the GMS Steering Group, on which I sit, to link some work planning in. One positive is that the realisation of the restriction placed by the ‘100 Player Registration’ limit is now recognised, and I have some hope that this limit will either be increased or relaxed – it’s only taken two years to get this far, but a small victory for mankind!
The Middlesex Notes from the most recent Council meeting can be found below:
https://middlesexrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/MCRFU-RFU-Notes-27th-November-2020.pdf
As well as the piece about the Adult Male Competitions Review, I would draw your attention to the following:
• Grants via Sport England/RFU (Item 3.2.iv) – more information is still awaited
• Adult Male ‘Clusters’ (Item 9.1.c) – you should have received further detail from the EC Competitions Group this week
• Match Tickets (Item 14.2.e) there is ongoing discussion whether to increase the number of Debenture Seats by 1000 to maximise revenue, given the current financial situation – the issue is where these tickets will come from, as you will appreciate
My best wishes to everyone for a Happy Christmas, and thanks for what you do for Rugby and your patience during some challenging times. The New Year should see some Rugby played (at last) and we can then look forward to a competitive 2021/22 season with some confidence.
…and finally: The RFU Rules require an election process for Council Members every three years, and my current term finishes in the Summer of 2021.
The election process requires compliance with RFU Rule 18.7 (page 22 of the current RFU Handbook). The process within ECRU is managed by the Hon. Secretary Robert Temple, to whom all information should be directed. Nominations must close by 01 March 2021 to comply with RFU Rules.
I am looking to stand to represent you again for a second and final three-year term, subject to your approval, of course.
Roger Pierson, RFU Council Member for Eastern Counties Rugby Union rogerpierson@btinternet.com