After rumours this week triggered by a leaked SW rugby proposed league structure we sought clarification of our position for next season, Even though the AGM to confirm the SW leagues was not scheduled until 19/05 SW rugby confirmed on Friday that both us (Clevedon) and Midsomer Norton will be relegated to Counties 2 Somerset next season, For us this is massively disappointing on two fronts as Barton Hill and Chipping Sodbury had filled the bottom 2 places to be relegated and we had been informed by SW Rugby that should teams be in contention for promotion or relegation they would be required to complete there fixtures ( we had 2 home fixtures remaining due to waterlogged pitches which remained un-played and were awarded as draws). SW Rugby have informed us that Taunton, Chard, Chosen Hill and Burnham must come into Western Counties North (even though some of those sides have played in other L7 leagues previously) and therefore 4 sides ( a third of the league) will be relegated.
For both myself , the coaches, committee and the players this is massively disappointing and we have sought clarification on the communications we received and the decision making process.
However the truth is that we should never have been in this position, we have some great players and the responsibility for us being relegated lies firmly with me as director of rugby, I refuse to make any excuses and we are a better side than we showed last season.
However this doesn’t change anything in terms of how we plan to tackle next season, we have already made some changes to the coaching set up and I hope to be able to make an announcement on this in the next 2 weeks, On the field all the boys are desperate to bounce back at the first attempt and we have 8 players graduating from the colts as well as a couple of players rejoining the club to bolster our ranks.
I understand our members and supporters will be as frustrated by this news as we are after we narrowly avoided this fate pre COVID, but I can assure you all that this wasn’t down to lack of effort from our coaching team or players, we are already working hard to be the best we can be next season!
I hope the players, staff and I can count on your continued support as we strive to be the best we can be!

Daunce
Director of Rugby
Clevedon RFC