Rugby Newsletter
David Codell
Skill Rugby,
I hope this e-mail finds you well. It's been a while since we had a newsletter because quite frankly it's been a while since we had any news. There's a couple of things going on now so let's get everyone up to speed on current events.
So first and foremost it's probably the understatement of a lifetime to say that times have been tough for everyone due to COVID and I tip my cap to all of the frontline healthcare workers on this email list. You all are incredible and I think I speak for everyone when I say that your resilience in the face of this adversity is truly inspiring. I'm not sure if we have any frontline healthcare workers on the active roster at the moment but if we do your dues will be covered next season, just let me know.
Additionally, things have been very difficult for the restaurant industry. As you decide where to eat/order takeout in the future you have a choice of where you spend your money and it is my hope that you would spend it with the people who have supported us through the years. I'll miss someone here and I apologize in advance for that. Please just message me directly if I do:
O'Neal's Pub at 3rd and South has been a sponsor of ours pretty much forever. The owner, Spoonie, helps us with Toys 4 Tots, gives us a place to hold meetings on short notice, hosts our socials and does numerous other things to help the club run smoothly. He also has numerous other charitable endeavors and is an all around great guy.
Yards Brewing Co at 5th and Spring Garden has been a sponsor since 2015/2016 and in addition to financial assistance they provide us with a significant amount of beer that we distribute to our players and opponents throughout the season. They also have us for an annual social event in the brewery that's always a highlight for me personally.
Con Murphy's at 17th and Ben Franklin is Liam Kelly's place. He has always supported this club and is one of the Philadelphia rugby scene's really good guys. If you've ever been to a rugby related event either at Con's or at Tir Na Nog that was Liam.
Panorama Wine Bar in the Penn's View Hotel at Front and Market is Carlo's place. Carlo was a longtime player/administrator and is the MC at our annual banquet. Carlo is also a huge supporter of the Philadelphia Boys and Girls Clubs.
Hickory Lane American Bistro on Corinthian and Fairmount is Jim Kernaghan's place. Every single time there's an opportunity to donate/sponsor something for us this guy steps up so if you're in the area swing by his spot.
Again, I'm sure that I missed someone and for that I apologize. If so, let me know and I'll get you next time.
On to some club news!
You may have seen some social media posts about the Center City Rugby Coalition. This is a strategic partnership between us, the Philadelphia Gryphons, and Philadelphia Women's Rugby to work together for the benefit of all three clubs and to help grow the game of rugby within Philadelphia. We're going to work on charitable projects, offseason training, clinics and all sorts of other things that can help make Philly and even better place to play rugby but obviously for now we're a bit limited.
Our first joint venture is a virtual food drive for Philabundance which you can contribute to here (https://secure.philabundance.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1273765&pg=personal&fr_id=1060) Philabundance is the area's largest hunger relief organization so let's make sure to hit the goal on that fundraiser.
Lastly, all 3 of the clubs are working on a toy drive to benefit St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Each club will be planning a time for people to swing by and drop off toys in a different part of the city so that it's convenient regardless of where you live and once those details are finalized they'll be on our social media. Our drop off will be from 1-3PM on Saturday December 12 at O'Neal's Pub. We are asking people to space out instead of all arriving right at 1 if possible and for everyone to consider either staying for lunch or getting takeout. If you aren't available at that time you can drop off toys with Spoonie between 11AM-11PM any day between now and then.
If you are unable to make it down to O'Neal's (or elsewhere) to drop of toys you can also venmo the club at RiverRugbyExiles or paypal us at srerfc.t...@gmail.com and Ryan McHugh will purchase the toys for you.
It's been a difficult year, but a huge thank you to all of you for continuing to be a part of such an incredible rugby club. We hope to return to competitive play in the near future and off the field we hope to be a positive asset to our community as a whole. Thank you for reading and have a great day!
Codell