Adult Male Future Competitions Structure from season 2022/23

The RFU Council met Friday 16 April, and has approved three further elements of the Future Competitions Structure group recommendations for a new competition structure for the adult male game from Level 3 down, for implementation from the 2022/23 season.

The vote follows an 18-month review into the current competition structure, which has included extensive consultation sessions with Council Members, Constituent Bodies, Club administrators, competition organisers, match officials, coaches and players, in addition to webinars, a national survey and detailed analysis of available data.

The three resolutions passed today are in addition to those recommendations previously approved by Council on 27 November 2020, which are summarised below:

1. The size of leagues at Levels 5 and below to be capped at 12 teams, and at Levels 3 & 4 to be capped at 14 teams
2. At all levels there will be a protected two-week break over the Christmas period and protected weekend breaks (at points to be determined through the season)
3. A rapid review of competition structures will take place every three years

At today’s Council meeting, the following resolutions have been agreed:

1.  League Rugby – English Clubs Championship at Level 3 and below

From season 2022/23, the English Clubs Championship at Level 3 and below will consist of:

1. One league at Level 3
2. Three leagues at Level 4
3. Six leagues at Level 5
4. Twelve leagues at Level 6
5. Approximately sixteen leagues at Level 7*
6. Approximately 20 leagues at Level 8*
7. At Level 9 and below will be determined by the relevant organising committee*

*Exact number of leagues to be determined by final size of leagues, number of team entries and local need.

At Level 4 to 6 this will be implemented on a regional basis, whereas at Level 7 and below this will be implemented on a broadly Constituent Body (CB) boundary basis (retaining some flexibility where it makes sense for clubs on CB borders to play in different CBs).

2)  Cup Rugby – Level 5 and below

From season 2022/23, cup rugby will be delivered after the league season (per level, from Level 5 and below) with mid-season (optional) entry for teams.

The competition format will be determined such that pools will operate at Level 5 and top tier of Level 6, and with regional knockout waterfall competitions at the bottom tier of Level 6 and for Level 7 and below, all culminating in ‘Community Game Finals’.

3)  Lower XV teams

From season 2022/23, Lower XV teams will be able to play in the English Clubs Championship up to and including Level 7, subject to specific criteria to be set out in the RFU Regulations.

More detailed information regarding implementation and regulation will be communicated throughout the remainder of this season.

What a year it has been. For all of us who have grown up watching apocalypse type films full of doomsday portent, who would have through that we would be living in our own survival movie. The toll has been catastrophic and at times heart-breaking, but one thing that has come to the fore is how resilient we are. It has been a divisive time with opinions polarised over how as global populace we can move forward and into a new era of ‘normality’. Things will never be the same again but is that such a bad thing. Look forward, move on…..

It has been a challenging time at the club, keeping positive, and maintaining a focus on the horizon and the rising sun of new possibilities. Yes, the doors have been closed, and no training or competitive games have taken place, but the club has been busier than ever. This is due in main to the many members, sponsors and donors who have generously ensured not only the survival of the club but also our ability to invest in and improve the facilities.

Springtime care work has been carried out on the pitches by the grounds crew, ready for training and matchdays. Work continues tending the gardens and plants around the pitches and clubhouse. The player’s changing rooms have been updated with better treatment facilities and a covered entrance.

The club house has had a face lift with wooden cladding added all around it making the exterior profile look a lot more elegant than when the concrete rendering was exposed. On the pitch side there is now a covered patio space where fans/visitors can enjoy the games, a drink or two or a meal under cover yet still have the al fresco experience.

Step into the club house and you will immediately see the changes. The wood burner in the corner adds comfort to what was otherwise a spartan space. Sound baffles have been added to the ceiling to control the acoustics in the room. Conversations can now be had without having to shout at the person next to you or being shared to everyone at the bar. The screens have been repositioned with sound systems and connectivity added to them to allow discrete presentations or simultaneous broadcasts across all of them. Not only a social space, but also a meeting space where groups can come to the club discuss, view presentations with tea, coffee, and refreshments at hand.

The club house space has also been remodelled to facilitate the relaunch of Saucy Flo’s, the club bistro. The kitchen has been extended and a new servery added for more efficient service. A new addition is the Breakfast Club offering a wide delicious menu to start your day.

We now have a dedicated communications team looking after our social media channels and website (new site being developed). If you have any club related comms, please contact communications@cantrugby.co.uk.

We are opening the clubhouse 12^th April for Flo’s Breakfast Club from 8.30am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday*, Saucy Flo’s Pop-up Restaurant Wednesday to Friday from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, and Flo’s Roast Club Sunday 1.00pm to 3.30pm. View the menus – https://saucyflos.co.uk.

Bar Open Monday to Friday 5pm till 9pm and Sundays 11am to 3pm

Table service only to the outside seating area. Pre-booking only – saucyflos@gmail.co.uk

*Sunday and non-matchday Saturdays 9.00am to 12.00pm.

We have made every effort to ensure a Covid secure environment and look forward to welcoming you all back. Meet, socialise, cheer and shout, eat and drink! There have been a lot of changes to the buildings and grounds, but the ethos stays the same, #SupportYourClub #OneClub #YourClub

Canterbury RFC are sad to report the passing of a great supporter and true friend, Spencer Whiting. He suffered from a recurring medical problem on April 1st, but tragically on this occasion did not survive it. Always loyal, and a friend to many, though he kept things close to his chest. Always true to his friends, he stood up for what was right. Generous, kind, always caring and thoughtful. Spencer was a true gentleman who always operated above and beyond the call. A brilliant businessman, a clever quizzer, a very capable sportsman and a completely unique individual. A  legend who will be missed by many at the club, and Old City Bar. When we are allowed, we will celebrate his wonderful life, cut short far too early. He will not be forgotten.

R.I.P. to a special friend. Our deepest condolences and thoughts to Spencer’s family and friends.