Return to Training

As we enter into our 4^th week back of pre-season training, we are delighted to report that our Covid Compliance Plan is proceeding as planned and players, coaches and administrators are all now well versed in the correct procedures and compliance protocols. Head Coach Mark McHugh and his management team have had to restrict numbers for now as we were implementing small pods of 7 players at a time and using both halves of the pitch, scrum zone and gym to rotate player pods around to different coaching stations. As we proceed and when safe to do so and in line with HSE & IRFU protocols, the pod sizes will increase and gradually contact will be introduced. All going to plan, we will welcome back U20s & Junior teams over the coming weeks and they will follow the established route back to full contact. Our plan this season is to have two under 20s teams as we have had a lot of requests to have a more social 2^nd team to compete at pennant level and compliment our premier team. Each year it is great to see the increasing number of players returning after schools rugby who have come through our very successful mini and youths programme along with our new players joining at U20s level from all around the country and indeed around the world. It gives us a very vibrant, welcoming and competitive incoming U20s class each year who in turn feed into our senior and junior teams.

Confirmed Season Plan

As you may have seen by now the IRFU have released their season plan & format for a one off season due to the Covid Pandemic which will be called the  Energia Men’s Community Series. Details can be found HERE

It has drawn up some interesting match ups and old rivalries that we have not seen at senior level in a few years. Along with all of our usual Leinster Division 1A teams, we will also renew rivalries with Leinster based 1B teams such as Naas, Old Belvedere, Old Wesley & St. Mary’s in the Leinster Conference. It is then planned to have 1 round of AIL fixtures post Christmas in the normal divisional structures. There will be no promotion or relegation this season at AIL level. It is great that we now have a fixed date of the weekend beginning September 25^th for return to competitive rugby. The plan is also to have our J1s play on the same day in the same venue against the same opponent as the senior team so we are looking forward to some great club days both away and in particular at home in Lansdowne Road. We will release all of the fixture list on our website once completed by the Leinster Branch & IRFU.

Support Your Club

As is no surprise to any of our members and indeed any professional or amateur sport at the moment that we are in very difficult times financially and we are doing our best to get through the changed landscape we find ourselves in and I encourage ALL Members to support YOUR club during these difficult times. We will be releasing dates and details of upcoming events over the next few weeks such as a members night and also Leinster v Munster (which will be played in an empty Aviva) day in the club house in mid and late August. Along with the prompt payment of membership subscription fees and supporting club events we can all play a part in getting through these strange times.

Clubhouse

The office and gym are still restricted areas and if you must call to the office in person, you must use the front entrance and use the buzzer system and complete all Covid protocols such as filling in the visitors registration and sanitising at the provided sanitising stations and follow all signage. As always, I wish all of members well and urge you all to keep an eye out for each other and hopefully see you all in the clubhouse and the side of the pitch in the very near future once some of the Covid restrictions have been eased.

Stay safe!

Colin Goode

President 2020-21

Please see below some photos of the 1st XV training.