Rochdale RUFC members will be aware of the RFU statement of 16th March suspending all rugby activity due to the Covid 19 outbreak. Additionally, Government/Public Health England are advising that clubs, pubs and bars should be avoided.
The RFU Statement:
Following government advice the Rugby Football Union (RFU) will suspend all rugby activity in England, at both professional and community level, including club training, league and cup matches plus rugby education courses from Tuesday 17 March until Tuesday 14 April, subject to continued review.
The decision has been taken following government advice in the interests of players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and the wider rugby union community. Where possible, players at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.
We will continue to review and monitor government advice and will provide detailed updates on the impact to the season in the coming weeks.
The well-being of club members, staff and visitors, is of paramount importance to Rochdale RUFC. Inevitably the prevailing Covid19 situation will adversely club social, business and financial activities in particular. We are now planning for that and the expected impact on finances. Rugby, functions and events must now be postponed. But, we will cope.
Following consultation between the Club’s Trustees, Committees and management of the Club, we would unanimously wish to ensure firstly that we are all safe and secondly ready and fully functional when life returns to normal, hopefully in the not too distant future.
So, we have reluctantly taken the decision to temporarily suspend all activities at the Club. We believe that this is in the best interests of Club members and visitors, in line with the RFU statement and with a view to reduction of risk to all persons at the Club.
Accordingly, please note:
- All training, whether at the Club or off-site is now cancelled until 1st May 2020 earliest;
- The Club’s pitches and playing areas are now closed and off-limits to all until 1st May 2020 earliest;
- The Clubhouse will close to the public for the rest of this week
- Thereafter the Clubhouse will then remain closed until 1st May 2020 earliest;
- Anyone involved in a booked public event or function will be contacted direct.
This is a temporary measure. It is one we would prefer not to have to take. It is necessary. It will be further reviewed. The Club is presently in great shape and will make a full return to ‘business as usual’ when rugby activity can resume.
We shall update you further as matters develop. Please stay well and stay safe.
Iain Coates
Chairman Rochdale RUFC