Letter from the President – December 2024

Hello again!

I trust that you are all well and that your Club’s Rugby journey is progressing in the right direction as we move towards the seasons mid-point.

My first three months in post have flown by and have been extremely interesting.  I have already visited a good number of Clubs across the NLD – Seniors and Mini/Juniors, and I consider this to be the most rewarding part of the Role.

It is clear that there is a tremendous amount of hard work being done to make the rugby offer in each Club the best it can possibly be.  I have been hugely impressed by the commitment of Players, Coaches, Administrators, Volunteers and Supporters – you are all a vital part of driving our Clubs and the Union forward – it really is about you and so I’d like to say thank you!

My conversations during visits have been many and varied with all manner of matters raised.  Chief amongst those is a desire to ensure that the voice of the Clubs is carried to the “top table” and is something that is a clear priority for me and the NLD.

General topics include:

• Recruitment at all levels – some Clubs appear to be flourishing whilst others continue to have a challenge in this area.
• Competition – generally the Leagues serve us well and changes have been made to the Merit Competition to enable the maximum amount of Rugby to be played. That said, the reduced number of teams competing is affecting it’s operation and the quest for a solution continues.
• Funding and support – I encourage you to engage with your Unions and through them the Constituent body and the RFU Staff who are here for you and who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to assist you in your endeavours.

I am looking forward to the next few months and hopefully catching up with you!

Wishing you well in Rugby,

Bob Curry

NLD Hon. President