Dear Club Secretaries and ORFU CB Representatives,
After long debate and careful consideration the Oxfordshire RFU Executive Committee has sadly had to conclude that the County does not have any committed funding from the RFU to run campaigns in both the RFU Senior County XV and under 20’s XV competitions. Therefore, following recommendations from the County Chair of Playing, Oxfordshire RFU will not be entering the RFU under 20’s competition this season.
Unfortunately, funding is only guaranteed from RFU if the County commits to participation in the RFU Senior County Cup. The RFU budgeting and funding model (known as ‘PFR’) by which the County is directly funded, is being implemented and overseen by Twickenham and allows no budget or support for the County under 20’s programme at this time.
In the absence of private patronage or business sponsorship; Oxfordshire’s record of reaching the under 20s semi-finals and a final in the last two years; and the Senior’s reaching the semi-finals last season is more than commendable and a huge credit to players, coaches and volunteers.
Our big regret is for the coaches and many players from Oxfordshire clubs that had already committed to this year’s programme, but as people in all walks of life realise these days, budgets and priorities and the delivery of core services have to be duly authorised and accounted for.
We can say to everyone that this whole issue of funding RFU Competitions is being taken up directly with our colleagues at the RFU; and it was raised by us directly with Steve Grainger, the RFU Rugby Development Director when he visited the CB earlier this year.
It is cold comfort but we are aware that other counties, larger than Oxfordshire, have come to this conclusion before us.
As part of our strategy to retain the involvement of our younger talented players we aim to integrate the under 20’s playing cohort within our Senior level squad in order to continue the work of training and development.
In terms of alternate funding sources, there have been previous and many attempts to raise sponsorship to support our County endeavours from businesses in and around Oxfordshire. Disappointingly, even when promoting the successes of recent seasons and following up on seemingly strong “expressions of interest” this has not delivered any significant cash returns. We are grateful to all who do sponsor what we do whether with their free time, their services or with money!
Our door always remains open to welcome financial support, which we could do with in this instance, but it seems sadly too late for this season’s under 20’s group.
Can you please share this with your colleagues and particularly your coaches and players, especially if they have been directly involved in the under 20’s set up; they will be rightly disappointed but they need to why we have taken this decision.
Yours in rugby
Paddy Gregan
Oxfordshire RFU Chairman