Lewes rugby players loving their lockdown activities

During the first lockdown the club organised a number of touch rugby events, inviting other local clubs to participate and following all guidelines recommended by the RFU at that point.

They also launched a ‘1,930 miles’ challenge. Based on the year the club was formed, the initial idea was that players would record the miles from any activity until the club reached 1,930 miles covered.

With characteristic competitive streaks kicking in, this ended up with the men, women and mini and junior sections attempting to hit 1,930 miles each!

With the most members, it was no great surprise that the minis and juniors hit the target first. However, the overall aim to encourage people to keep active worked.

Lewes RFC members have also been providing resources to support the wonderful efforts of the Lewes Food Bank.

They have been part of the collection teams at local supermarkets and have transported the collections to central points for the creation of the parcels and onward delivery to those that need it.

A directory of trades and businesses has been created listing services that exist within the membership base, with the idea that other members requiring those services can use them and support businesses during what may be difficult times for them.

The club has also created its own YouTube TV channel, Lewes Lions TV. It is planning a number of online events based around various activities, such as tactical masterclasses (live events led by club coaches, including the new men’s coach Brandon Palmer, ex Rotherham Titan); the latest lockdown challenge being ‘Blois & Back’, a whole-club challenge to virtually get a rugby ball from Lewes to Blois and back (700 miles!).

There are fitness and skills training challenges plus live stream sessions aimed at the minis on a Sunday morning.

Also planned are social activities such as a Q&A with Tom Bowen (an England sevens player who started at Lewes), a quiz night and a virtual wine tasting with Beacon View Wines.

Paddy Henshaw, Lewes RFC chairman, said: “Lewes RFC are trying their best to be as creative as they can to keep players and members and the local community in touch with the club.

“With Lewes District Council completing some much needed refurbishment work to the changing rooms, and new lease discussions ongoing and making progress, the rugby club management committee hope, when any level of ‘normal’ rugby activity can recommence, it is best placed to quickly be able to react and offer people their rugby hit when it can.”

If you are looking to join a club that is community focused, friendly, ambitious and progressive, and want to improve your rugby, then email honorary secretary Paul Nicholl at [email protected]