To Players and Members,
I regret to inform you that after a challenging selection meeting on Monday evening, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from this season’s Webb Ellis Somerset RFU Cup competition.
We were due to host the University of Bath, a club we have enjoyed facing numerous times in the Cup, in the Preliminary Round on Saturday, but, regrettably, we are now withdrawing from a competition we have won 13 times.
The club at this time could not be in a better place, and the excitement around the season, based on the success of the 1st XV and the performances of the United and Athletic, is well-founded as we look to finish the league season on a high.
Unfortunately, this comes at a cost, which has been further impacted by the extremely wet weather we have suffered. This weekend, March 14, in the RFU Structured Season is reserved for staging previously postponed matches.
In addition to the Webb Ellis Somerset RFU Cup tie, United have a rearranged league match away to Wyvern, and Athletic are at home to Burnham-on-Sea 2ndXV.
The Webb Ellis Somerset RFU Cup regulations require teams to include at least five players capable of playing in the front row, and ideally seven replacements.
Winning also comes at a cost, and several 1stXV and United players are carrying injuries following last weekend’s matches. Furthermore, several players across the senior squad are simply unavailable this weekend.
Commitment to rugby remains strong; however, gaps in the playing calendar create opportunities to step away, even though we know rescheduled games are possible. As a club, we try to manage this with players.
League fixtures take priority for the RFU, and failing to field a team could result in points being deducted, which could be carried over to next season if it does not impact promotion or relegation.
We also need to remain focused on the United and, to an extent, the Athletic, who have been most affected by the lack of rugby, and, regarding the United, give them the best opportunity to gain promotion and see the competition for places in the 1stXV and the United continue into next season.
Regarding the 1stXV, our job is not yet complete; there are three league games still to play, and we need to be fighting fit for each and ensure we all get over the line for what we have worked so hard for this season.
The decision to withdraw from the Webb Ellis Somerset RFU Cup has not been taken lightly. I feel a personal responsibility to the players and the club for the support provided and the anticipation of potential silverware.
I would stress that we entered the Webb Ellis Somerset RFU Cup competition in good faith, but we cannot progress.
Please support the Athletic at home this weekend, enjoy the finale of the Six Nations and get behind the 1stXV for their final three games and the United as they storm into the season end.
Mark Matthews, Director of Rugby
