A big thank you to all the members who have supported DCRFC’s efforts to keep the club alive and kicking since the first set of restrictions were lifted. It has been a pleasure to see our younger ‘blue and gold’ members enjoying training, albeit restricted, during our recent return to rugby. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the ‘Return to Rugby’ group for making sure our activities during this period met the ever-changing RFU Roadmap stages.

England Rugby’s core values – Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship – have never been more evident than in recent weeks, and are of course what makes the game special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create. The approach by coaches, administrators, parents and players to embody these has been an example of excellence – well done !

With a return to Stage A – socially distanced training with one other person in a public place and no equipment sharing – our return to rugby has been halted once again. We will recommence when allowed to do so and after our ‘Return to Rugby’ group has examined the detail of the RFU guidelines.

Once again our home has been shut down, but will re-open as soon as we are allowed. Our staff have done an excellent job in making sure the temporary ‘mothballing’ of our clubhouse has been achieved. Closure means that once again we are facing financial challenges; whilst we will be taking advantage of all government grant support we will need to look to our reserves to meet day-to-day overheads.

Sport England have launched a scheme called Active Together, a crowdfunding initiative. We are currently preparing our application, but if our campaign is approved and we can raise £10,000 they will match it with a grant of £10,000. Asking for donations is not something we have done before but this is a way for us to secure additional funding to help us not only survive the current crisis but also preserve and build our savings to help take the club forward. Thank you to everyone who is helping prepare the campaign particularly those starring in our promotional video, Pyro Media for producing our video free of charge, and everyone so far who has donated goods or time to be offered as rewards to potential donors. This is an exciting initiative with some great opportunities to help, watch this space for further details !

Thank you all for your continued support whist we all work together to ‘keep the blue flag flying high’.

During the current set of restrictions please make sure you all look after yourselves. If anyone needs some support please let us know at durhamcityrugby@btconnect.com or on 07960582534, a member of our DCRFC family will help you.

Best wishes to you all – stay safe.

Richard Wilkinson
DCRFC Chairman