Plymouth Albion RFC News

Following a lack of formal response from the RFU, we have decided to publish the letter penned by our chairman Dave Venables to them. We remain hopeful that common sense will prevail, and an amicable solution will be achieved: I have read the findings of the RFU Disciplinary Committee and their further decision regarding the appeal. I am not surprised by the outcome but admit to being both disappointed and somewhat ashamed by the actions, attitude and position the RFU and the members of the disciplinary committee have taken over this issue. It was no more than an innocent clerical...

After 16 weeks, I have certainly been pleased to involve you, our faithful Albion fans, with news of the workings behind the scenes as we looked to secure the club during this very difficult time. I hope that via my open and transparent updates you have felt a part very much of some of the most challenging times we have faced, and you are starting to get ready for the return to play. With the RFU announcing the fixtures and the Premiership returning in just over a fortnight I feel it won’t be long until we have a definitive timeline....

Premiership Clubs are in the final 2 weeks build up before they go head to head in competitive rugby. Let us all hope that there are no bumps in the road, as competitive rugby progressively returns to us here at the Brickfields. I am pleased to report that our own team training is going well. Loads happening in the corridors of power at rugby HQ and in the various boardrooms of Premiership Clubs. Talks, conflicts and divisions continue to fuel the rugby rumour mill as speculation abounds regarding the future of our top clubs and the game in general. Leicester...

The RFU’s discussions with the Department of Digital, Culture and Media and Sport and Sport England have continued about a return to play, which of course include the National Leagues. As things stand, we remain at Stage B on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. Further updates will be provided when the government gives the green light that it is safe for National League rugby to restart. While there is no official date for when National League competitions will restart, the RFU has announced league fixtures for National One and National Two for the 2020-21 season. Please note: Provisional dates have been allocated to...

I was interested to learn that the government are mobilising a £1.57 billion-pound fund to support the nations cultural arts and heritage institutions. One hopes the monies are efficiently routed to end-users, such as our City’s own magnificent Theatre Royal, and not eaten up by consultants and agencies engaged to distribute the funds. On the topic of Government support to sustain our nation’s commercial, entertainment and social infrastructures, I regret to report that NO FUNDS are currently available for sporting institutions such as Plymouth Albion RFC. Necessity being the mother of invention prompted us at Brickfields to batten down the...

The names of those faithful supporters who contributed to the Albi 2020 Heroes fund will soon be going into production to display with pride on the Honours Board that will proudly be displayed on the wall opposite the ticket office.   As an added bonus I am delighted to announce that VX3, our new kit supplier, has agreed to sublimate ALL the Albi 2020 Heroes names on the new playing shirts.   I am sure you will agree, the uniquely printed shirt is something very special for our faithful supporters to collect and treasure for many years to come.  ...

Before I get into this week’s musings, I have a very real STOP PRESS moment with another very exciting signing at Albion! Hot on the heels of Ospreys and Wales 7’s Phil Jones, we’re over the moon announce imposing second row/back row Jake Clemson from Cornish Pirates. Standing at six feet six inches and tipping the scales at over seventeen stones he will add some serious grunt to our already formidable pack. And now, the musings… At last! HM Government is progressively releasing the most serious restrictions of lockdown, promoting the Rugby Football Union to unveil its plan for the...