Launceston Rugby Club

http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Blacks-team-agree-finish-season/story-15861059-detail/story.html


The Launceston side play at Taunton on Saturday before finishing their season at Polson Bridge against Old Albanians the following week.

The first-team squad's participation in those matches was in doubt, after being told they would not be paid for the rest of the campaign.

The players had already accepted a 25-per-cent cut to help the club through financial difficulties three months ago.

However, the Cornish club's executive committee presented a draft business plan to players, coaches and members from its juniors' section on Tuesday this week.

The proposals included assurances that significant funding has already been secured to satisfy outstanding wages to the players.

A statement released by the club said: "A full and frank discussion took place regarding the way forward as a united club with a clear vision for future success.

"The club are now in a position to confirm that our final two league fixtures will go ahead as planned."

It is hoped the announcement will bring another difficult spell in the club's recent history to a close.

The All Blacks started last season with a 20 league-point deduction after going into voluntary liquidation, and suffered relegation from National League One after failing to overcome the deficit.

Director of rugby Simon Owens stood down last week after a breakdown in communications with the executive committee, and head coach Tony Roques will depart at the end of the season.

Yesterday, the All Blacks' executive committee secretary, Simon Johnston, praised the players for their understanding and commitment.

He told the Western Morning News: "The players have been magnificent. They were more frustrated than angry, and I think a lot of that is down to the communication aspect of it. Historically, as a club, we haven't communicated anywhere near as well as we should, especially when you bear in mind there is not much money around.

"The players only want to know where they stand. From the committee's point of view, we know we have made mistakes. The recent meetings we have had with the players have not been negative. After a lot of hard work, we now know that, although it might have to come in two payments rather than one, we will be able to pay them in full."

The club also plans to put a new coaching team in place before the end of the season.

The All Blacks will look to fill those positions internally before turning attention to next season's playing squad.

Johnston said: "We will be promoting a coaching team from within the senior team. We don't want to go down the road of looking elsewhere.

"I think we can keep the new coaching structure internally at the club. We have, potentially, got some excellent coaches there."

The club would also like more supporters to take up voluntary positions and influence the running of the club in future.

"We will be very willing to take any help to move the club forward," said Johnston. "New blood will not be turned away. If people feel they can contribute, they will be welcomed."