Dear All,
 
Well the season is now officially over and what a strange one it’s been.  With highs for our First XV of 11 wins, 11 bonus points, then lows of COVID 19 bringing the season to an abrupt end and the league declared null and void.  Our women have put in a good shift on and off the pitch, but again a quick halt. Our youth sections all had a good season up to Christmas then again all stop.
 
Let’s not dwell on the negatives but think of all the tidy gardens, the new ways of communication via Zoom, Face Time, Skype, What’s App and Team. The phone call to all friends old and new it has been a time of catch up for all and making time for each other. Remembering that we are a family orientated club please give me a call anytime if you need a catch up or a virtual coffee break, you are not alone as there are always kind ears to listen.

I want to thank all the club members, all the players, all the supporters and all the sponsors for their support over the last season. We have had some additional support from Tescos; £4000 towards the running of the club through the blue token voting which is much appreciated and here thanks go to all the local support for making this happen.
We have also had some Government support of a £10,000 grant and the SRU Hardship fund just over £3,500. These funds will help meet all our running costs until we are able to reopen hopefully in the not too distant future.

Keep up the exercise and fitness regimes and keep in touch with each other, I look forward to seeing you all again once the crisis is over.
 
Kindest regards,
 
Brian Lanni
President Orkney Rugby Football Club

Hi everyone,

Around this time of year we usually host our AGM,  given the current COVID circumstances we will be postponing this meeting until further notice.

When we feel the time is right for the community and the club we will ensure to give everyone enough notice of this event.

We hope everyone is staying safe and well and we will be in touch hopefully in the near future. 

Thank you

Gary Nicolson
ORFC Chairman

Hi All,

The 2019/20 domestic rugby season in Scotland has been classified as null and void, with Scottish rugby joining its Irish, Welsh and Italian counterparts in coming to this outcome.

The SRU have made the decision to declare the 2019/20 season null and void.  Meaning there will be no automatic promotion/relegation - was reached following and extensive consultation process involving the participating clubs, the championship and competition committee members and Scottish rugby’s own rugby development department.

Orkney rugby football club would like to thank all players, coaches, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for all the commitment and dedication throughout the past season..  The club was  on course to have a very successful season and that was down to all of the above.  Without you all it would not have been possible.

This season rugby is now all over and we will keep everyone updated on the next AGM when the time is appropriate.

For now, please take this time to look after everyone, stay safe and we can’t wait to see you all back next season.

Thank you!

Orkney RFC

Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd 7s
 
Orkney Rugby Football Club regret to announce that they will be postponing this year’s Sevens which were due to be held on the weekend of the second of May.
 
We have taken this action although there is still no announcement from the SRU as to what happens to Rugby after the 29th of this month.  The club officials in conjunction with the sponsor felt that this was the responsible thing to do for health and safety in light of the numbers who normally attend this event.  We also had a record number of teams showing interest to attend from south and this decision was made to stop unnecessary costs being incurred by them for travel and accommodation.

In light of recent developments, there will be no Mini, Youth or Senior rugby training at Orkney RFC until the 29th of March.

This means that all rugby is cancelled up to that date and we will update everyone when we know any further details.

We advise players to keep fit during this period but ensure their health and welfare come first.

The Scottish Rugby statement on Coronavirus can be found here

Match Report  Games v Caithness and Ross Sutherland 2-2-20

On Sunday 2nd February  a smaller than usual squad of U 14s headed across the firth to Caithness for matches against Caithness and Ross Sutherland. The squad had players missing due to other sporting commitments, injury and illness so a squad of 11 headed over.

A beautiful day for rugby and with Caithness and Ross Sutherland both having full squads it was agreed to play a round robin format and the other teams would provide them with the players to bring them up to a full compliment of 15. It was agreed that it would be youth scoring rules with 3 points for a try and 1 for a conversion.

On Saturday 18th January a squad of 20 Under 14’s made their way to play Granite City in Aberdeen.
After discussion with the Granite City coaches and to ensure players had as much game time as possible it was agreed to have 4 sides, 2 from Orkney and 2 from Granite City.

This resulted in a 4 teams of 12 with the Orkney sides receiving 2 guest players in each team. The format was round robin each team playing each other in games of 20 minutes and all teams playing at the same time on the two adjacent pitches.
 
It was a chilly but sunny Saturday at Aberdeen Wanderers ground which was being used for the Under 14’s matches

Orkney Rugby Football club is looking for someone to join our team of volunteers as a child protection officer.  This is a key role within the club.  The time commitment would be roughly 2 hours a week and full training and support will be provided.  The Role of the Child protection Officer is below.

The CPO role is an important one and should cover the following broad areas:

• Work with other members of the club to ensure that children enjoy a welcoming, safe, friendly and helpful environment.
• Ensure the club has a Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy that is available on the club website, available on request and understands the principles in the policy.
• CPO name and contact details are visible in the clubhouse, on the club website and that they are visible and approachable at the club (within reasonable parameters).
• Complete the relevant child protection and safeguarding training within 6 months of their appointment
• CPO must be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme which links them to their club
• CPO to manage the PVG Memberships within the club. Any person carrying out REGULATED WORK must have a PVG number which should be notified against the Youth Coach listed in the active coach list. (details of the PVG process follow below)
• CPO should keep a record of all PVG numbers
• Take responsibility for dealing with concerns, contacting the relevant people to take forward – either through Scottish Rugby Safeguarding team, NSPCC/Children 1st or Police Scotland if required.

If you are interested please contact John Cairns Club development officer on rdo.orkney@gmail.com or 0758467834 or contact club chairman Gary Nicolson on O7872 579850