Coronavirus (Covid-19) update

This week’s headlines include:
1. Resources to support clubs and CBs through lockdown
2. Government financial support
3. Pause on DBS checks
4. Mitsubishi Motors Rugby Leadership Network
5. Webinars and on-demand videos
6. Digital Remembrance Wall
7. Leighton Buzzard RFC becomes a vaccination hub


RFU Headlines

Resources to support clubs and CBs during lockdown

As promised, we have created a one-stop support centre to help clubs through lockdown. We have compiled information for you to use as and when it suits your club as we understand that clubs may need this information at different times, depending on individual circumstances. We will continue to update our resources in this area as we have more information.

While it sounds contradictory to suggest conducting a good governance health check during a pandemic, the national lockdown does provide a pause in the day-to-day running of clubs. This could serve as a time to assess good governance practices, so that clubs can be in as strong a position as is possible during these times, to be able to bounce back when rugby can return.

Alongside this, we have included a reminder below of funding options available to address more immediate concerns during lockdown. If you can’t find the information you need on the pages below, please get in touch with us via ClubSupport@RFU.com and we will respond as quickly as we can.

Lockdown Support
Funding Support

 

Government Financial Support

Last week the Government announced various support packages, including one-off cash grants of £9,000 per property which can be topped up by local restrictions support grants of up to £3000 per month. Both are dependent on specific criteria.

Full Government information on the support available can be accessed here as well as what assistance is available here.

Criteria and all information can be found using the funding page below

Funding Information

Pause on DBS checks

Following the Government’s recent announcement that we are to stay at home, we are again implementing a temporary suspension of DBS checks while the national lockdown remains in force. This decision has been made in light of all rugby activity being suspended and the difficulties that come with in person ID checks required before volunteers can start.

The Safeguarding Team will keep this under constant review and intends to resume processing applications before the commencement of rugby activity.

Applicants who have already had their ID verified should complete their application.

Club Safeguarding Officers have received additional information by email. Please direct any queries to dbseapp@rfu.com


Mitsubishi Motors Rugby Leadership Network

The Mitsubishi Motors Rugby Leadership Network is an exciting and unique opportunity to acquire valuable skills and to network with other rugby leaders. To ensure our clubs are fit for the future and self-sustaining, we are looking for aspiring rugby leaders who can take their club to the next level.

We are looking for rugby leaders who:

• Don’t want to stand still and watch from the sidelines.
• Want to create sustainable clubs fit for the future.
• Have the enthusiasm and openness for learning and supporting others to do the same.
For further information on the Network and how to apply click below

Apply Now

Webinars and on-demand videos

Despite rugby being on pause, we still have some fantastic webinars on-demand that you can catch up with by following the link below.

This week our club workshops continue with:

Virtual Workshop – Club Leadership Teams
By the end of this virtual workshop you will have reviewed your clubs leadership structure and identified methods on how to achieve an excellent leadership team for your club.
Max capacity reached but will be available on-demand

Virtual Workshop – Volunteer Experience
Get top tips on recruiting, retaining and rewarding volunteers.
25 January – 6:30-8:30pm
20 places
Register here

You can also catch up on all the Allianz Premier 15s highlights below.

You can see all our previous Coaching, Refereeing, and Club webinars online.

Club Webinars
Watch Highlights

 

Digital Wall of Remembrance

We’ve created a digital Wall of Remembrance at a time when it has been difficult to mourn the deaths or celebrate the lives of those lost to their families, friends and the game. To find out more about those who have given so much to our sport, click on the link below.

If you or your club has lost a member who you would like to be celebrated at this time, please submit a Wall of Remembrance request below

Read More
Remembrance Request

 


Leighton Buzzard RFC becomes a vaccination hub

Having supported the NHS through special T-shirts earlier in the pandemic, the rugby club is now set to become part of the country’s network of vaccination centres fighting Covid-19.

For the past few weeks, they have been working closely with their local Primary Care Network and the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to transform the club into a community vaccination hub

Leighton Buzzard RFC

Share your ideas

We want to continue to improve our communications to the game, so if you have any ideas or thoughts you would like to see then please share with us using the ChrisDodd@rfu.com email address. We carry on highlighting the wonderful activities that our clubs and their teams are doing on our England Rugby channels. Please share your stories and videos with ChrisDodd@rfu.com or PatriciaMowbray@rfu.com