Q & A with the Club Board

By Ian Todd
June 19 2006

I've copied the questions and answers from the Powerpoint presentation. I'm promised answers to another five questions so I'll update this when I receive them. When I have the time (and a reliable internet connection!) I'll also add some comments.

1) BristolRugby Club – Targets for the next 3 Years (AM and NP)

At the Directors away day on 29 November 2005 they agreed the

following targets for the next 3 years.

 

2006/ 07

• League Position – 5 th – 8 th
• Gate Average – 9,500

 

2007/ 2008

• League Position – 3 rd – 6 th
• Gate Average – 10,000

 

2008/ 2009

• League Position – 1 st – 3rd
• Gate Average – 10,500

 

My season ticket renewal states that the Centenary Stand, the West Stand and the West Enclosure will be for season ticket holders only.

Answer (DW)

• Bristol Rugby have agreed to amend this decision and sell into these areas on a match by match basis.

 

• However, if any of the areas are sold out during the Season Ticket acquisition period then access will be denied during the season.

Question 2 (DW)

Will juniors attending summer camps receive season tickets this year ? If so for which part of the ground?

Answer (DW)

• No, they will be entitled to a 50% discount off juvenile priced tickets.

Question 3 (DW)

What is the reason for the price rises in the West and Centenary Stands ?

Answer (DW)

• This year there is an additional game included which is against Bath at home in the Cup.

 

• We have also completed an analysis of all the prices in the Premiership and we are simply getting closer to our competitors.

 

Question 4 (DW)

Are there still family Tickets?

Answer (DW)

• There is no longer a family package, however juveniles will receive a significant discount.

 

• We are currently developing a new initiative in the family area where children get a complimentary pack of giveaways.

 

• For those families who previously purchased the family package they are being accommodated for the next 2 years.

Question 5 (DW)

Would the Board consider reinstating the 10% discount to Season Ticket Holders, Supporters Club and Bris Trust Members.

 

Answer (DW)

• No, the decision is to provide two 10% discount vouchers for season ticket holders only.

Question 6 (RC)

• Significant concerns raised about Match Day Facilities (.i.e.)
• the Ability to purchase Beverages.
• the Quality of Bar staff.
• the availability of Bass product in the West Enclosure.

 

Answer (RC)

• Unfortunately the ground is not owned by Bristol Rugby and Bristol Rovers run the Bars.

 

• However, we agree with you and the issue is currently being addressed with Bass and Bristol Rovers.

 

Question 7 (SG)

• Does the Club currently have large long term debts to the Johnson’s Group ?

Answer (SG)

• The Johnson Group had an entitlement to future income from a reducing number of shares in Premier Rugby. The liability is restricted to income receivable in the future on those shares.

 

• The Board has not taken on any debt.

 

Question 8 (AM and NP)

• Do the Board think that the Playing Squad is technically good enough to stay up this season other than relying on team spirit and fitness.

 

• Does the Club have an image problem or is there an unwillingness on the Directors behalf to pay top salaries to top players.

 

• Is Bristol Rugby having trouble recruiting top – class players? If so what has been done about it ?

 

Answer (AM and NP)

• By January 2006 Richard Hill had re - signed 39 players, therefore limited squad positions available.

 

• There are two high profile announcements to be made.

 

• There has been a significant investment made in the strength and conditioning area.

 

• Richard Hill and the Board are confident that this squad will achieve this years strategic objective of finishing 8 th or better in the Premiership.

 

Question 9 (SG)

• Who decided to change the team shirt from the Blue and White hoops?

 

• Why are the female fans not being accommodated for in terms of apparel.

Answer (SG)

• Premier Rugby insisted that teams have two shirts, one light and one dark.

 

• We agree the women's clothing range is limited and are looking to address this next year.

 

Question 10 (DW)

• Will the barrier protection be improved for the players?

Answer (DW)

• Yes, we are currently investigating getting padded hoardings at the ends of the ground.

 

Question 11(RC)

• What is the situation regarding the facilities at the Memorial Ground ?

 

• What are the plans for the long term home of the Club?

Answer (RC)

• Bristol Rovers are applying for planning permission to redevelop the stadium. This is being supported by Bristol Rugby.
• Bristol Rugby are tenants. The current lease expires in 2009.