Ok, so it is not full on rugby, it is the RFU’s non-contact Ready4Rugby version of the game, but it is competitive, and it is between clubs. There is a report on last week’s game, and a look forward to this weekend’s fixtures.

But first, an update on the community game
All competitive rugby below Level 2 (the Championship) has been suspended for this season - there will be no league games, and no promotion and relegation from the leagues established after last season.

If the RFU allow competitive rugby at our level, it will be in clusters of local clubs, however there will be no compulsion to play the games, so it will be all for fun. If I was a betting man, I think rugby is a remote possibility for Barnes RFC this season, it would be a massive shame but it has a feeling of inevitability about it.

So, what Ready4Rugby games happened last weekend?

Barnes Women vs Rosslyn Park
Barnes Women were out in force last Saturday at local rivals (and good friends) Rosslyn Park, for their annual Oktoberfest tournament. This was our first outing as a squad, and our first time playing R4R rules in a competitive environment, so spirits were very high as we took to the pitch.
With 23 women signed up to play, we fielded two teams – a number of players getting their first caps for the club.
The progression in each game we played was promising, and we look forward to big things for the next few fixtures lined up over the coming weeks.

Barnes Men vs Richmond
On Saturday we had the pleasure of hosting Richmond at Barn Elms for our first of three Rugby4Ready weekends.

Richmond coaches Steve Hill and Dom Palcio joined us at Barn Elms for a five-round tournament, featuring three Richmond teams, and three Barnes teams.

On the day we had around 60 players representing both clubs in a friendly round robin format.

Chris Bell, and Tim, from Richmond had the job of enforcing the rugby ready in a very fast paced, high scoring day. Despite the lack of contact, it was great to see teams combining, the green and gold of Barnes running around again on the 1st XV pitch.

The Barnow community have been fantastic over the past six months, and it was lovely to see so many of the players out on the pitch again, and also some new and exciting additions to our squad.

As ever with proper rugby clubs, we all gathered for a socially distanced beer and curry afterwards, courtesy of Zoe and her very own Barnesy Army!

Ready4Rugby games this weekend:
Following hot on the heels of last week’s games, we have a few more games this weekend:
• Barnes Under 16’s our young bucks are playing touch against Rosslyn Park.
• Barnes Women: our women take on Hackney at Barn Elms on Saturday 17th - the game kicks off at 1pm.
• Barnes Men: This Saturday we take on Richmond at their place, in a rematch from last weekend.

How amazing are our Minis and Juniors getting on?
I saw a brilliant update from the Juniors supremo, Chris Williams, which sowed that we have 569 players in the M and J section, of which 510 have already paid, 33 of whom are brand new to club, how amazing is that? Let tell you,
it would be amazing at any time BUT at a time like this, in the middle of a pandemic it is extraordinary, and it is a great reflection of the quality of coaching, fun and confidence in safety measures that each of the coaches are providing.

Thank you to all of those involved in making this happen, just the 59 enjoying a trial at Barnes RFC to convert now ?

Gemma Hill is our new Club Safeguarding Officer
We are very pleased to announce that Gemma Hill has been appointed the new Club Safeguarding Officer for Barnes RFC, taking over from Patrick Crabtree, who has put in a brilliant stint in the role over a good many seasons.
Gemma is a team manager in the Minis section for the Under 7’s age group, and the whole family is involved in the Minis set up: Daughter Amy is in the Under 9’s, Isla is in the Under 7’s, husband Martin completes the rugby action in the Hill household, coaching in the Under 9 age group. We’ve also heard reports she has been out playing touch rugby, and training, with the Barnes Women mid-week. Gemma will be bringing her world-renowned energy, and tenacity, to the roles - so don't be deceived by her big smile, and happy laugh, she will be onto you if your DBS certificates are not up to date!
Good luck to Gemma in her new role, and thank you for volunteering to help Barnow, and also a massive thank you to Patrick for his considerable efforts in the role previously.

Matt Ratana Unsung Hero Award
As you may know, East Grinstead Rugby Club are nominating Matt Ratana for the BBC‘s Unsung Hero Award for his work over many years as their Head Coach.

As you will know, Matt’s life was tragically cut short doing his job as a Police Officer, and this would be a fitting tribute for a wonderful man.

Just go onto The BBC web Site for Sports personality unsung hero:

https://exscotlandyarddetectives.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6727a8473c5c82ba5f5b3807c&id=5b5d9f3465&e=0aefc376a9

When filling in the form you will he asked to complete details of the person you are nominating.

Please provide Matt’s name and use the club’s contact details:

Matiu (Matt) Ratana
Postcode: RH19 4JU
Telephone: 01342 322338
Email: operations@egrfc.com

And finally…

This Saturday, 17th October, it is the European Rugby Final between Exeter and Racing 92.

If enough of you show in an interest in coming to the clubhouse, then we will keep it open for this match. It’s easier if you let us know if you are in a group - Dave Doonan is your man.

Thank you so much to all of the players, mums and dads, coaches and supporters for all you do for Barnes RFC week in, week out, it is incredibly important at the current time that we all pull together to keep the club going forward at this difficult time.

Have a brilliant weekend, onwards and upwards Barnow!

Michael “Rhino” Whifield - Chairman Barnes RFC