2020/21 Return to Rugby and Rugby Restart Road Map
Further to a number or recent communications from the RFU and Essex CB I thought it would be worthwhile to lay out the clubs current plans and thinking for our ‘Return to Rugby’.
We are currently out-of-season and don’t expect to use the club or pitches for training for any groups for the foreseeable future particularly given the limitations IMPACT OF CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON RUGBY CLUBS of what we are actually allowed to do; the additional protocols and planning we will have to adhere to. The Senior Men’s squad have been online training since we locked down but that has now reached its natural conclusion and attention span (6-8 week cycle) so that will now end.
Whilst the latest RFU advice sets out a rugby-roadmap RETURN TO COMMUNITY RUGBY ROADMAP it is probably not until we reach Stage C or more likely stage D that anything becomes meaningful and worthwhile; hopefully, August!
Having reviewed the Return to Rugby release – V1 (it should be read by all) it makes sense to us that we should stick with our previous years plans and ‘return to training’ dates. We understand that some clubs may be starting earlier but what’s the point in bringing any of this forward when it’s almost certain that pre-season will already be elongated with a start date to the playing season later than the usual September. What’s the rush! Last season the Colts and Senior Squad didn’t return until mid-July; Ladies, Youth Boys and Girls August and Minis in September.
2020/21 Provisional Return to Rugby Schedule
August 2020 – Men; Colts; Ladies; Youth Boys & Girls
September 2020 – Minis
Of course everything we do will adhere to Government and RFU guidelines and is under constant review. Hopefully we will know a lot more by the end of June as indicated in the Return to Rugby release – V1. We will then lay-out detailed plans of how we intend to scale and implement our ‘Return to Rugby’ but you should all prepare for a different experience in the near-term.
I can also advise that the Executive and the Club Management continue to explore all avenues as to when and how the club might re-open (subject to government guidelines). For the avoidance of doubt whilst the Government had relaxed the rules to allow “off-sales” so that alcohol could be purchased and consumed away from the premise this wasn’t an option for us as our license doesn’t allow us to serve takeaway alcoholic drinks “alcohol can only be supplied for the consumption on the premises; not beyond the footprint of the building or terrace”!
If you have any immediate concerns or issues please contact me at rugby@harlowrugby.club .
Keep Safe, Stay Safe and take care of yourself.
Paul Tucker (TUX) – HRUFC Chair of Rugby
05/06/2020
Step 1 Rugby Club Guide to Reopening 140520
PHASE 4 UPDATE JUNE 02
Return to Rugby release – V1
