London & SE season 2020-21

Over the past 2 years Dorking RFC have raised substantial funds through it members, sponsors, donors and via fundraising to finance the improvement of the clubhouse. This was to cover the cost of creating a new Clubhouse entrance facing the car park, a state of the art medical and fitness rooms, and a viewing balcony on the first floor from the main dining room etc. The original plan was to commence work at the end of the 2019/20 season, however because of the early shutdown and uncertain future the plans have been delayed until end of 2020/21 season. The whole process has been part of a re-development plan that has taken much longer in its planning with time and strategic thinking ahead to enable the club to provide benefit and advantages to its members and visitors. We are a fortunate and well managed club, but with all the talk on this site of clubs 'possibly going to the wall' and potential mergers, whilst nobody could have expected the effects of this disastrous pandemic, surely every club has to build in a contingency fund to cover every worst case scenario that might happen. Just a thought not any criticism intended.   

Agree with fatbloke. Most clubs finances are close to the wire. However if they budgeted properly (in a normal year!) they can pretty much forecast turnover and profits etc. Covid is a bolt out of the blue. I see some clubs have resorted to crowdfunding to get through the summer. Any club relying on wedding rentals/shows/camping/rugby festivals etc are in for a shock and may see crowdfunding as the only solution.

Edited by Truwblue - 21 May 2020 at 19:05

FEZ ANT PLUCKER wrote: Is there any truth in a rumour or possibility of Community rugby NOT happening for 20/21 season and that only Professional rugby will take place. Has anyone heard this on the grapevine.?

No - but it wouldn't surprise me if January was the start time, with half a normal season.

Camquin wrote: I think that is the best case.

Camquin, yes unfortunately I have to agree. If a January start isn't possible I suspect the season might be written off entirely.

FEZ ANT PLUCKER wrote: Is there any truth in a rumour or possibility of Community rugby NOT happening for 20/21 season and that only Professional rugby will take place. Has anyone heard this on the grapevine.?

Robb wrote: FEZ ANT PLUCKER wrote: Is there any truth in a rumour or possibility of Community rugby NOT happening for 20/21 season and that only Professional rugby will take place. Has anyone heard this on the grapevine.? What a load of bull. I wouldn't believe it. If anything, they should focus more on community rugby rather than pro-rugby just like cricket are looking at. Or even better, just let the season start as normal like Belarussian football is continuing as normal.

Dad wrote: If the muted promise of a test with 20min result comes to fruition then a test pre game (or on the Friday) would make the game playable without any modifications

Cannon wrote: Dad wrote: If the muted promise of a test with 20min result comes to fruition then a test pre game (or on the Friday) would make the game playable without any modifications If Nat 1 & 2 football teams are saying they cant afford ongoing COVID testing for their players to be able to play games, I can't see community rugby being able to afford it. As an aside, I do suspect that we won't get to play competitive games until Jan'21 at the earliest.

Unfortunately, I totally agree - unless a vaccine becomes available in the near future.

If a vaccine becomes widely available in the next 3 months then an earlier resumption may be possible with those who have been vaccinated allowed to participate/watch?

Lets hope Astra Zeneca hold the key and that Track and Trace is a real success.