2020-2021 League Season cancelled

The RFU has announced, with regret, that it will not be possible to stage a meaningful league competition for 2020-2021.

SW Chairman Dave McAteer says although a league season will not be possible, work has been continuing to look at ways some form of friendly fixtures could be staged.

He went on: "The thoughts of the group who were tasked with looking at this, decided that having now missed two potential start dates, September & November, and with little prospect of a return in the next couple of months, there was no chance of completing enough games on which to base promotion & relegation for Season 2021-2022.

So, in order to give Clubs clarity and not set more unachievable target dates, the decision was made to call a halt to the League programme.

Where does that leave Clubs?. Alternatives to put a shortened fixture matrix together is nearing completion and will be out in the very near future. This will be based on reduced travel and provide local competitive rugby for those who wish to participate. Of course it will be dependent on Government giving us the go-ahead.

I can assure you that everyone at the RFU (staff & volunteers) are fully committed to sustaining the long term future of member clubs and I recognise that whilst today’s news could have seemed like just writing off or abandonment of  the entire season, that’s not the case, it’s more of a realisation that Plan A isn’t going to work, so in order to give clubs & players something to aim and look forward too, Plan B is on its way.

31 Oct 20