Rugby: Committee to discuss Ramsey cup withdrawal

MEC says player safety 'at the forefront' of what it does

The Manx Executive Committee (MEC) - which oversees rugby matters on the Isle of Man - will meet soon to discuss Ramsey Rugby Club's withdrawal from this year's Manx Cup and Manx Plate competitions.

The northern club announced ahead of its Manx Cup semi-final tie with Vagabonds on Wednesday (23 April) it would be pulling out of both tournaments regardless of the result that evening.

In a lengthy statement, the club stated the decision was down to 'significant concerns regarding player safety' and described what it calls a 'sizeable disparity' in playing levels and experience in the competition structure.

Since then, the MEC says it accepts Ramsey's choice to step away from the competitions and that player safety 'remains at the forefront of everything we do.'

Currently, the finals of both this year's Manx Cup and Manx Plate are due to be played on Saturday, 3 May.

The MEC handles local rugby matters on the Island on behalf of Cheshire RFU.

You can read the committee's full statement on Ramsey's cup competition withdrawal below:

"Manx Rugby and the MEC (Manx Rugby Exec Committee) are holding a meeting over the coming days to discuss the matters raised. 

"Whilst Ramsey withdrew from the competition, opportunities were presented to raise any concerns in meetings with the MEC and Cheshire RFU board members.

"Player safety is at the forefront of everything we do within rugby. Law changes made by the RFU, along with studies and injury prevention programmes have rolled out in various capacities. 

"This is to ensure that we can maintain the physicality of the game as well as ensuring our players are safe. Player Safety is paramount, and we can only accept Ramsey’s decision in relation to the Manx Cup. 

"The Manx Cup has been a long-standing tradition on the Isle of Man, often creating the best opportunity for players to play against their local rivals who play within the ECC league system. 

 "The MEC is in place to seek to work with the clubs to promote the game on the island, again with player safety at the forefront."