It has been a difficult year for Rotherham Titans and the wider sporting industry, and we would like to take this opportunity to contact our sponsors and supporters with an update on the current state of play at the Club.
Through our website, social media channels, Rotherham Advertiser, and through the Crowdfunder campaigns, the Club has tried to keep everyone up to date regarding both the rugby and finances of the club.
On the Rugby side, this has been extremely difficult; for a long time there was a lack of certainty around next season from both the RFU and government. Now that we have a clear announcement that there will be no league rugby this season, and due to the recent lockdown announcements, we have made the decision not to take part in any competition that does not result in promotion or relegation, and therefore we will not be playing any rugby this season.
As you will all be aware, the sudden loss of income throughout this period has left Rotherham Titans under severe financial pressure, and we are doing everything we can to secure a long-term sustainable future for the club. We wish to thank everyone who has helped; through the Crowdfunding appeals, by buying face masks, by coming to the Clubhouse and buying beer and food, and by trying to support us through these difficult times.
The unclear picture facing the staff, especially the playing group, is a difficult one with no scheduled return to rugby, and a dramatically changed financial landscape. These are young people, invested fully in our sport, managing their emotional well-being has and continues to be a challenge, but we are committed to supporting them through this period.
While we appreciate the very difficult challenge the government faces in controlling the spread of the virus, while enabling parts of society and the economy to remain open, the prospect of no crowds for the next six months adds to the pressure that we are under. Put bluntly, Rotherham Titans does not work as a business or rugby club without you, the sponsors and supporters, at the matches. Alongside other rugby and sports clubs, we are lobbying hard to try and influence the government’s decisions.
As shown through the Quiz Nights, Meet the Players, matches on the big screen and the meal options, we can run socially distanced events at Clifton Lane, and we believe that we can operate in a safe and secure manner within the restrictions on a match day. Rest assured; we will welcome you back whenever allowed. However, under the current restrictions, it is very difficult to make a profit on the numbers allowed into the bar, but we will persist in providing opportunities to come to the club and have a socially distanced drink with us, when the current lockdown ends.
We will be getting in touch with everyone who has bought a season ticket, sponsored a player, entered the Brand for a Grand competition and done other forms of sponsorship, to discuss the options going forward.
These are very worrying times for everyone but, rest assured, we are doing everything we can to ensure Rotherham Titans comes through this pandemic, ready to play rugby again.
Regards
The Board of Rotherham Titans RUFC
