Leinster Rugby vs Benetton Rugby

Club in
Focus
BY DES BERRY
clane RFC
There are
problems
that can
keep you up
at night
for all
the right
reasons.
Craig Ferguson
In a crowded market, there
has to be one or more points of
difference that keep the curious
coming through the front door.
In that regard, Clane Rugby Club has
devised a three-year strategic plan to
embrace the ever-changing challenges
that come along with growing numbers.
The four pillars of the plan, formed in
2020, are developing 21st-century
facilities, enhancing diversity and
inclusion, increasing female participation
and developing player pathways.
First, the simple provision of enough grass
to play on is what all clubs crave, enough
space for everyone to get stuck in.
For this purpose, Clane targeted a third
pitch alongside increasing the lighting,
the tarmacking of the driveway and car
park and improving clubhouse facilities.
To this point, the security of a loan has
enabled Clane to complete the pitch and
install the lighting, while the other works
are in the pipeline.
Second, the ‘Everyone Plays’ ethos of the
club is particularly central to providing
rugby for players of mixed abilities at the
youth and senior levels.
“We are committed to the simple idea of
having a game for everyone,” says club
President Craig Ferguson.
“There are clubs in the area which have
mixed ability teams at the teenage levels.
There is no senior adult club in close
proximity.”
This is seen as a niche in the marketplace
that has not yet been accounted for and
Clane want to be first to that starting line
in the area.
“By the end of the year, Clane, led by
Sinead Lawlor, want to put out the adult
team these other clubs can send their
players to. It will be small numbers to start
with the intention to grow.”
78 | www.leinsterrugby.ie