Many of us are still recovering from the appalling way the RFU announced their tackle height proposal for next season. Whilst I doubt anyone would question the motive behind any initiative that makes the game safer, the lack of prior engagement with the clubs and transparency around the “science” behind the announcement reflects very poorly on our governing body. Sadly it is symptomatic of the disdainful way the RFU seems to view rugby at National League level and below.

There will now be retrospective consultation with the clubs, but the damage done to the RFU’s already questionable reputation may well be irreparable.

By the time you read this the RFU think tank will have reconvened on 13th February and they may have already made public exactly what the consultation and engagement plan with the clubs will look like.

The consultation exercise will then take place during the remainder of February and into March, with the outcome and definitive agreement re the new tackle height due to be published on the 16th June. Who knows what the game will look like next season?

Incidentally, if you didn't watch Rugby Tonight on Sunday 29th January (BT Sport) I would urge you to do so via catch up - Nick Easter, Wayne Barnes and particularly Ross Tucker provide a very interesting and balanced insight into this incredibly important issue.

Scoreboard

You may have noticed there has been some groundwork carried out on the corner of the bank near the changing rooms. This is in preparation for the installation of a new electronic scoreboard which should be in place by the end of March.

As it’s comprised of a 4 meter x 2 meter LED screen it has the capacity to be used for video, advertisements, game highlights etc as well as simply keeping score and time.

This will be an exciting addition to the club’s facilities and I for one can’t wait to see it in situ and operational!

Car Park

Although there are some finishing touches to be completed over the next couple of weeks we delighted to confirm that the car park is now flat, dry and good to use in its entirety!

I never imagined it would be possible to get excited about a car park!

Once again the guys from Ceres Construction have done a fantastic job for us. You have to marvel at their ability to remain sanguine and undaunted irrespective of the problems they encounter - some of the historic drainage configurations they came across would have challenged the imagination of Heath Robinson!

However, after the best part of 62 years at Hare Lane we’re all but there. I trust Jack Barber, (see John Craven’s piece in this newsletter) would approve.

Andy Stevenson

It is with a very heavy heart that we have to inform you of the recent and unexpected passing of Andy Stevenson. Andy made the first of his record 414 appearances for the 1st XV in March 1971, with his final game coming 19 years later against Wigan in March 1990. He was captain for the 1982/83 season.

Had it not been for extended periods away from the club due to work commitments he almost certainly would have reached the milestone of 500 1st XV games.

After stepping down from senior rugby he continued to play for many years with the Vets, and away from the pitch he was instrumental in the building of the clubhouse.

He will be greatly missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him well.