Worcester RFC

Bill Sweeney visited the club last night and met with Geoff, Steve and me.  Colleagues from the RFU and NMids RFU accompanied Bill who was fulfilling the invitation made to him earlier this year.

I am sorry not all colleagues were made aware in advance but the meeting was only confirmed a couple of days ago and we decided to keep it quiet to avoid the risk of hijack from the media or disgruntled WW fans!

We had a wide-ranging and productive discussion which included player welfare and the tackle height changes, reducing the loss of young talent from the game, supporting community clubs and, of course, the Atlas proposals.  Our guests then joined coaches and players for after training supper.

Bill and his team were very open to our views and were impressed with our Club, our work to promote inclusive rugby and our focus on player welfare.

He was unable to offer any new light on the Atlas plans and simply confirmed what we already knew.  He explained the RFU process which they had gone through with the two bids but ultimately the sale was decided by the Administrator.  The final decision on club moves and name changes does rest with the RFU and NMids RFU.  Local clubs will be consulted.

Bill and his team are heading to Stourbridge this morning and we, like everyone, await to see what Stourbridge and Wasps finally decide.

We will be following up the conversation with the RFU team and Bill has promised to return to the Club, to see first hand both senior and mini/junior rugby, as soon as he can.

I am finalising an internal release with the RFU (broadly as above) for members etc. which hopefully will go out today.

I am now away until the 6^th so see you next month.

Any questions to Geoff and Steve.

Jeff

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