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.