Paula Bradbury CEO of Cheshire, Made the point that all clubs should have read the RFU
recent briefing regarding potential help for Rugby Clubs. A role call of Clubs attending was
held requesting a brief summary of their financial status.
From this the Wirral Clubs taking part in the conference, Prenton, Oxton Parkonians,
Hoylake, Wallasey, Anselmian’s. Where positive about the strength of their finance to survive
at least the next 12 months but Wallasey commented they may need to review this if the
current situation goes beyond October. Also, Anselmian’s have had suspended construction
till May 2020 and further delays may affect financial stability.
Wirral (Graham Roberts) made the point as they rented their land from 2 parties, they had a
positive response from 1 landlord and were awaiting discussions with the other and the
outcome of this will determine Wirral’s ability to be financially sound. The response from
Caldy indicated they were OK. Stockport (Mike Drew) reported they would be OK. Ramsey
(Dave Christian) said they would be OK in the short term but were concerned in regard to
player moral as they had not had a good season. Carrington (Paul Wills) are financially ok but
made the point what happens if the current situation goes beyond October 2020. Mark
Jordon made the point that this is one of the points Cheshire will be considering.
From the comments made to the meeting it looks like the Clubs most effected by this are
those above level 5. They are losing sponsorship deals as business retrench to reduce costs.
Also, at this level a number of clubs have employees and need to be able to call on
government help.
Paul Lewis made the point that funds would be available to ensure that Clubs would survive
and Mark Jordon (Treasurer Cheshire) confirmed this and made the point that the County
would be key in the financial help program. John (Secretary Cheshire) Asked all clubs who
foresee financial problems to e-mail him with concerns so planning can be put in place to
help ease the situation. John Downham also made the point that the RFU had suspended
loan repayments for 3 months.
Colin Free raised the point on how will clubs ensure the maintenance and security of their
premises with the current restrictions as how will it comply with travel and social distancing
requirements. No advice was available but will be looked at.
Paul Foster asked about the Nat West Week end and grants as it was unlikely to happen this
season so could it be used to aid events to mark the return of Rugby. This will be taken up by
Cheshire.

The RFU ticket fund could be a lot less this year with the suspension of the 6 nations and
what will happen when and if it resumes. It was £80k last year and may be as low as £20k
this time. It is likely the current fund will be disturbed early.

(2). The League situation after the crisis is over

The Halbro league have ended the season and the positions held by clubs will be the final
league position for the season. In regard the RFU leagues it was suggested the solution used for the Foot and Mouth crisis will be employed to sort out 2019/2020 season.
Going forward to the 2020/2021 season announcements regarding the Halbro /Intermediate leagues is awaited.
Regarding the RFU leagues. As the RFU are undertaking a review of the league system at the lower levels the Cheshire/Lancashire joint proposal has been put on hold.
From discussions held it appears the RFU are looking to create leagues of 12 teams below
level 5. The idea being that you will get an even league status were at present it is haphazard. The feeling of the meeting was a 14-team league structure would be more appealing. It was also apparent that teams at level 7 & 8 were unhappy with the past season as leagues of 9 team or less had occurred and this meant playing teams more than twice in a season. Discussion took place regarding 2 nd XV of teams above Level 5 joining the RFU leagues at the appropriate level as the current rules would put them at the entry level which is totally inappropriate for the players. This again would be taken up with the appropriate bodies.
Colin Free informed the meeting that from the discussions Cheshire had had with Cheshire
Clubs in the Halbro/Intermediate leagues will no appetite to return to the RFU system.
The feeling of the meeting was that we should discuss options during this time but any
agreement should not be undertaken for at least a year after play resumes.
Another video meeting will be held but no date set.
On a final point it was suggested that with the current stay at home situation we should
encourage members to develop the skills and fitness at home. i.e.
First Aid, GMS Understanding, planning next season such as who needs DBS and any other
accreditation that can be done on line.