News

27 October 2020 / Club News

President's Article, Llangwm Village News.

Article published in Llangwm Village News, Issue 52 Autumn/Winter 2020

With it being the middle of October, we would normally be well into the rugby season, with cup and league fixtures well underway. We do however, find ourselves in uncertain and unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all local rugby currently on hold. It is not known when any grass roots rugby will start in Wales this season, and as a club we are unable to make any firm preparations. This doesn’t mean nothing is happening at the club though.

The senior team have resumed limited training adhering to WRU Covid guidelines. The coaching team led by Bruce Evans, along with team manager James “Kiwi” Griffiths, and Gethin Thomas, who captains the team for a 3rd successive season, have kept in contact with the players and all at the club look forward to the re-introduction of a more formal approach, and hopefully some actual matches in the not too distant future.

We are fortunate to have a very strong junior section at the club, and anyone who has the time to visit on a Sunday morning will I’m sure, be impressed by the set up and quality of rugby on display. Although like the senior team they cannot play matches at present, there is safe and structured training on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings for the young players.

A great deal of effort goes into these future generations of players by the coaches and parents, and the club would again like to pass on thanks to all involved for their continued efforts.

One aim at the club is to see a Youth Team re-introduced and representing the village. Let’s hope some of these younger players come through in the next year or so to fulfil that aim.

Both pitches are in excellent condition and ready for the return of rugby, having been kept to the highest standard by our groundsman Jeremy Brock. Jeremy spends a great deal of time at the field and the club sincerely thanks him for all his efforts in ensuring we have a first-class playing surface.

Although we cannot plan for competitive rugby itself at present, the committee has a programme of improvements planned at the club, including:

  • investment in a new floodlight scheme for the lower rugby field;

  • refurbishment of the showers in the stand which are struggling to meet the current demand on them;

  • enhanced safety barriers around the field;

  • to decorate, and possibly refurbish the clubhouse to ensure it meets the current requirements of our young players;

  • improvements to the kitchen at the clubhouse to ensure we can continue to provide hot meals for the players. Thanks must of course go to our fantastic ladies who provide such marvellous food for the players on match days.

The club has recently started to show international matches on the “Big Screen”, which has been very well received by members, with large crowds attending to watch. It is hoped the club can open for this Autumns international matches, of course this will depend on whether any further lockdowns are imposed by Welsh Government.

The club does need a large and supportive membership base to ensure all our goals and aims can be met and progressed, and all new members, either players or supporters, are always welcomed at the club.

There are some limited numbers available for the 100 club with the Christmas £1000 draw certainly worth a flutter. Please contact the club for details if you wish to join this monthly draw.

Club news and events are advertised on the club web-site which can be found at:

https://llangwm.rfc.wales

To finish on a sadder note, I would mention Owen John who very recently, sadly, passed away after a short illness. Since retiring to the village, Owen served in several positions at the club, and most recently was membership secretary ensuring the base of members was kept growing. The thoughts and sincere condolences  are extended from the club to the families of all members who have sadly passed away over the last year.

We would normally remember them at the club’s AGM, but unfortunately this has not been able to be held this year due to the restrictions.

Finally, a big thank you from myself and all at the club, for your continued support. We look forward to being able to welcome you back to the club to enjoy rugby, hopefully in the not too distant future!

Michael John

President – Llangwm RFC.

 

There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.

Upload and Tag Photos

Comment
You must be signed in to add comments
Comments