Needless to say the sporting aspect has, and quite rightly so, taken a back seat. That said there has been some activity happening in the background that I'd like to update you on. So, in no particular order...

Captains Supper
The players had a zoom captains supper at the beginning of May. Was definitely different but well attended by the players. Awards were as follows:

2nds player of the year - Scott Robertson
Coaches player of the year - Jamie Muir
Captain player of the year - Murray Jack
Player player of the year - Robbie Muir

Congratulations to the winners (just a small point but 3 out of the 4 are from Macmerry!) and my thanks to those who organised the evening.

Community Development
Our Community Development Officer, Michael Davidson, left us at the end of March to take up a new post with the transport police. My personal thanks to Mike for his efforts with our youth rugby over the past 10 years (yes, he's been with us for 10 years) and I wish him all the best in his new role. We've started the recruitment process to replace Mike but due to the pandemic this has been put on hold until there is a clear path for when youth rugby will be recommencing.

Colts
Of our Colts who played with Musselburgh last season we have a 100% success rate for those wishing to move up into senior rugby with Ross High. All the players have been personally contacted by Ross Watters and are now integrated into the senior playing element of the club.

SRU Accreditation
Monies in respect of our SRU Accreditation and our participation in the school rugby conference have been received by the SRU. The SRU paid this money without the usual checks and balances, and early. SRU don't often get the credit wheres it due so thumbs up to them paying this in the manner in which they did.

Training
Training, although restricted by Cov-19 and staying within the guidelines:

The seniors have been virtual training which is being run by Ross Watters and Ryan Strachan. League table is being kept to generate a bit of competition. I'm taking part so any player who ends up below this broken old ex player will be suitably punished!
Academy have also been virtual training with a good take up across various teams

Participation Agreement
Our Secretary, Neal Black, and myself are in dialogue with the SRU regarding the renewal of our Participation Agreement (this is the Agreement that enables us to play rugby and drives what supporting payments the club gets from the SRU). I'll have an update for you at the AGM.

AGM
Speaking of the AGM, the committee is looking at how best to hold this given the current limitation on social gatherings. Bear with us as we work through the art of the possible.

Covid-19
We've been advised by the SRU that we must have a Covid-19 Coordinator. This person sits right across the club covering both rugby and social elements. Grant Walker has agreed to pick up the baton here with the help from Al Rae (some of you will know Al as a former President of the Club). Myself, along with all the coaches, will be working with Grant and Al to ensure that when rugby activities do recommence we are doing them within the guidelines stipulated by both the SRU and the government with a safety first approach.

Ground Update
Thanks to Chay pushing forward with a new energy deal we are now in a position to get the training lights upgraded. The aim is to have this completed before the darker evenings kick in.

I hope the above gives you a flavour on what's been happening rugby wise since the lockdown started.

We are in uncharted territory just now. We do not yet know what next season looks like eg when training can start, when can adult and kids rugby commence etc. As and when that becomes clearer myself, or someone from the committee, will post the details.

Stay safe.

Stuart