COVID-19 Update

Message from HRUFC Chairman

COVID-19 Update

Recent announcements regarding the end of National Lockdown 2.0 and the subsequent new Covid Tier restrictions have significantly dampened the outlook for us.  We were naively optimistic that we would emerge into a Christmas period full of our usual seasonal social and rugby activities at Latton Park, but with Essex having been placed into Tier 2 with new tougher operating conditions, that bubble has well and truly burst!

From the 2nd December pubs and clubs can only serve alcohol if bought with a “substantial meal”, which has left us, amongst many other drink-led businesses, weighing up whether it is even commercially viable to trade.

In the strictest interpretation of these Government rules, our members and guests would be allowed to purchase an alcoholic drink if it is “only served for consumption on the premises as part of a table meal, and the meal is such as might be expected to be served as the midday meal or main evening meal”.  And you must leave the premises as soon as the meal is finished.

These latest regulations, alongside the other unwieldy, but necessary, Covid secure rules to keep everyone safe, means we do not consider that we, the Club, can offer our members, guests and employees a positive collective experience while operating in this manner.  As such, the Executive have unanimously decided that the Bar and Kitchen will not reopen after Lockdown 2.0 ends.

We will open for Wakes and Weddings within the relevant Government restrictions: for more information please contact our General Manager via emailing business@harlowrugby.club

It must be noted that the Executive will be regularly reviewing this decision and will amend if applicable, should regulations or circumstances change.

Rugby Update

The RFU announced on 27/11/2020:

“Following Thursday’s tier announcement, we know clubs have a number of questions to address and we want to reassure you that we are working hard with the Government to clarify outstanding areas so that we can provide you with answers and clear guidance.

As you will appreciate, the return to grassroots sport in the Covid landscape is a complex and fast-moving world for the Government to manage. We will continue to support their efforts to provide clarity for clubs as quickly as possible.

As soon as we are in a position to do so, we will provide Clubs and CBs with on field and off field guidance for each tier, so you are confident about returning to play safely and excited about rugby restarting.

Until Wednesday 2 December, we remain in national lockdown and at Stage A on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. This means that no competitive or formal rugby activities can be undertaken.”

Tux, our Chair of Rugby, will of course update all Team Managers and Coaches as soon as we receive further clarity on restarting rugby activities in Tier 2.

Kind regards

Tracey Wedd

HRUFC Chairman

 

 

 


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