Summer Rugby for the community game.
Incentivising clubs, teams, and players.
(It could mean the return of the bouncy castle).
There is a genuine concern that the continued reduction in playing numbers at rugby clubs will affect the very existence of some clubs.
Post covid, many young players have not returned to the game. Fewer schools are playing the game; some have stopped. (RFU report)
The link between school and club is fractured at best and severed at worst.
We should remember that community rugby is just that, for the community.
Experienced ex-community players who are still involved in the game as coaches, referees, and administrators confirm that playing standards are diminishing.
Players don’t want to travel long distances on Saturday.
Players are choosing when to play.
Players don’t always attend training sessions.
Clubs fear promotion to a higher league because of increased costs.
Clubs are fielding fewer teams.
Clubs are finding it hard to get volunteers.
The supply line of talent from schools is decreasing.
The current league system de-motivates the lesser teams.
Is there anything that can be done about it?
Is summer rugby the answer?
A good friend of mine and former Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire 3 counties cup winning coach, Bob Fowkes, ( now at Moderns RC has been promoting a radical change to the rugby season calendar, by moving community rugby from the winter to the summer.
This would mean separating the community game from the professional game, at all levels below the Championship.
Separation must include control of Administration, Finance and sponsorship, Competitions, and Coaching programs.
We must organise regions into merit tables.
Introduce end-of-season play-off systems. We could have minor premiers and a season-ending Grand Final for the top 8 teams.
We can create regional representative teams again.
The club talk must be about, “Can we make the 8.”
We can Introduce playing festivals where we hold a competition for all clubs in the merit table at one club over a weekend. It could be an 11’s competition, which starts at 9 am on Saturday. Maybe 2 festivals a season. A Grand final on Sunday at 4 pm. Rotate the venue to allow the hosts to cash in.
Is Bob’s suggestion of Summer Rugby the answer?
Summer rugby would create a new reason to take the kids down to the rugby club. Throw them on the bouncy castle. Feed them from the barbeque. Dance with your wife. Listen to live music.
Bob adds
“Playing in good weather can only add to the fun for everyone and will have a positive effect on skill development and you will be able to feel your hands! Visibility will be good for watching and catching the high ball.”
This would enable clubs to maximise earning potential and create a community feel for rugby on Saturdays. Make your rugby club the community club. Pubs are closing all over the country. Can we make the community rugby club a viable alternative?
We know there will be obstacles. But could we make it work? Please let Bob and I know your thoughts.
Mike Penistone
+61 488 116849
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Business Development Director at PerMix North America
6 天前It's all very well and good saying these things but the rub is this......it takes away from other sports. I played rugby as a kid I trained and did what was needed I also played cricket and there was very little cross over from the end of 1 season to the start of the other. It's nice to play in the warmer weather but the pitches get harder and consequently the injuries are worse, also many referees may well officiate in other sports as they enjoy both. RL have gone down this route they are still having the same issues with recruitment and retention and in some areas the guys play RU in winter and RL in summer so again the switch causes a knock on effect. The answer is to potentially get away from a league structure and go back to merit leagues and friendlies which is not so onerous on travel etc
Assistant housemaster, teacher of mathematics and sports coach at Clayesmore School
6 天前I completely agree that something needs to be done, or the community game dies. But what about people who want to play cricket in their summers? Do such people still exist i.e. people who can, and want to play a winter sport and a summer sport? It definitely used to be a thing.