So with the 2019/20 season stopped dead in its tracks by the response of the RFU and Jersey to Covid 19, just when it was about to get interesting, this is just a quick note to update everyone on a few things following last week’s online committee meeting.

Resumption of Training
From the most recent publication by Jersey Government about their plan to release the island from lockdown and no positive signs from the RFU, there is zero chance of training again before the end of this season on 31 May. We are therefore planning on recommencing training in August, by which time we are hoping that the physical distancing rules will have been dropped and the playing of rugby will once again allowed.

Year End Player Awards Dinner
Given that we only managed to play 5 fixtures and the fact that there continues to be great uncertainty about when hotels and restaurants will be permitted to host social events, the committee felt it best not to attempt to hold the dinner this year.

Summer Social
Once we are permitted to congregate again we plan to organise a summer social up at Grainville – maybe a BBQ – so we can all get together and get motivated for next season.

AGM
Holding the AGM is an important part of the governance and organisation of the club so we are planning to hold it when the restrictions permit. We are targeting August as previously but if it has to be later then the current committee will stay in place to keep the club running.

Sussex Merit League
The exciting news is that we are making good progress with the plan to enter the Sussex Merit League next season and we will give you a brief outline of the structure.
It is proposed that we are put into Division 3, that this season was split into 2 leagues, Sussex West and Sussex East. Next season, this will change to the Division being split into two county wide tiers, Sussex Premier and Sussex Championship with 7 teams each, playing each other home and away. A preliminary seeding competition with teams in their current geographically split leagues playing each other once will take place first in which we will be involved. This could therefore result in 18 league fixtures for us next season, 6 to 9 of which will involve day trips away.
This is designed to be a structured league for social rugby with the rules and points very much structured to ensure an enjoyable rugby experience. They provide flexibility to the clubs in each fixture to decide things like number of subs allowed, KO time, length of match and certain rule variations. The emphasis is getting games played - a point is even to be awarded to any home club that lends players to the visiting opposition as a way of encouraging that where necessary.
This is all still at the planning stage at the moment and we will let you know more as and when things are firmed up.

Dominion Series Friendlies
We also have half a dozen of our regular visitors who we know would be keen to come over again and we hope to also be able to accommodate them subject to financial and calendar constraints.

Coaches
As you all know, Aaron has left Jersey Reds. He joins the Jersey police force in July and following his initial training in the UK will be subject to shift work so is currently doubtful that he will be able to coach us again on a consistent basis, although we may see him for the odd session. Charlie has also returned to the UK so we are exploring a few avenues to see who we can attract to take training forward.

Meanwhile……………
Stay well and work on your fitness during the down time. Your Club Captain may have a little challenge coming your way to help with that!
There is also talk of an online Royals pub quiz being arranged to keep you entertained so keep your eye on our social media.

Any comments, questions or offers to help with any aspects of running the club can be directed to me or any member of the committee.
Likewise, remember the club is always here for anyone that might need a bit of support at any time so never be afraid to ask.

Steve