Return to Play and Membership Subscription Update

Dear Member,

I hope that you and your families are well and have been enjoying the summer.

Return to play update
I am happy to report to you that the senior squad returned to training at the start of August.  Training has been very positive so far and the players are adapting well to the COVID protocols. My thanks to our Club COVID Officer, Bobby Byrne for co-ordinating the substantial work involved in allowing return to play.

Fixtures have been released – Energia Community Series (First XV & J1 fixtures)
We were delighted to recently get confirmation from Leinster Rugby of the fixtures for the Energia Community Series and Energia All-Ireland League. The matches before Christmas are all within Leinster and will see UCD face Old Wesley, Old Belvedere, Clontarf, St. Mary’s, Lansdowne, Naas, Terenure and Dublin University. The J1 team will play in a shadow league on the same day against the same opponents at the same venue but at a slightly different time. These fixtures (listed below) promise opportunities to see some top class club rugby and to meet up with our friends from all of these clubs. Detail of the COVID arrangements to attend these matches will be communicated closer to the September 26 kick-off date.

Energia All-Ireland League post-Christmas
January will see us make a welcome return to the All-Ireland League after almost a twelve month break.  The reduced fixture list will see us play each club from division 1A once.  There will be no promotion or relegation this season.  The AIL fixtures are listed below.

Membership Renewal is now open – We need your support
Now that we have some clarity on our fixtures and activity for the 2020/21 Season I am pleased to advise that the membership renewal is now open for members to support the Club by paying the subscription.  As I have already advised in my previous communications the Club Finances are in a difficult situation.  The Covid-19 pandemic has stretched finances all over the globe.  UCD Rugby is no different and having lost the critical revenue from the dinner the financial vista is challenging.  We would ask all members to ensure that they support the Club in any way possible at this time but most particularly by paying membership subscriptions at the following link – Membership Link

Thanks to our Club Sponsor – Crowe and the University
At times like this in addition to the fantastic support from members we continue to receive we are so appreciative of the support from our Club Sponsor Crowe and the University.  Without this support we simply would not be able to continue and we are most grateful for it.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon,

Best wishes,