Chichester RFC ready for the day rugby can return

Chichester Rugby Club are well advanced in getting their headquarters ready for rugby’s return.
By Simon Tanner
Published 17th Sep 2020, 10:00 BST
There's work on the pitch too...There's work on the pitch too...
There's work on the pitch too...

Although there is no restart date yet for the sport at grass-roots level, the Blues will be ready to go when the green light is given.

Extensive work has been done to the Oaklands Pavilion home to make sure they can safely welcome people and start to generate much-needed income after months of lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When Chichester’s first XV lost 22-19 to Dartfordians on the last day od Feburary, there was little understanding of the impact Covid-19 would have on community rugby.

Work is carried out at Chichester Rugby Club to get it ready for the sport's returnWork is carried out at Chichester Rugby Club to get it ready for the sport's return
Work is carried out at Chichester Rugby Club to get it ready for the sport's return

After the premature end to the season and the announcement of lockdown, the objective was to ensure the future of Chichester RFC.

A team led by chairman Paddy McAlpine implemented measures to mothball Oaklands Pavilion, minimise expenditure and ensure the club would be ready for the restart.

With government approval in early August for the RFU’s action plan to start a safe and phased return to rugby, wheels were put in motion to recommission Oaklands Pavilion ready for September 12.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A project team started by gutting and refitting the physio and medical room. That was followed by socially distanced working parties on the first weekend of September, with senior club members deep-cleaning Oaklands Pavilion and the minis and juniors and their parents undertaking grounds maintenance.

One youngster gives CRFC his support...One youngster gives CRFC his support...
One youngster gives CRFC his support...

A temporary staircase and enclosurehave been installed in the pavilion so a one-way system can be set up. These have been provided by NJS Group and Knights Fencing, both long-time sponsors of the club.

To ensure safe operation of the building, a number of features and procedures have been put in place.

These include enhanced signage, hand sanitiser stations, a QR code track and trace system and socially distanced seating in the bar and the dining hall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Chi RFC spokesman said: “Oaklands Pavilion is open at the weekends serving coffee, drinks and good food in a safe environment as well as showing live rugby on the big screens.

“Resident chef Johnny Jones, of Bosham Catering, serves a comprehensive and great value roast lunch menu on Sunday lunchtime.”

More at www.pitchero.com/clubs/chichester

Related topics:BluesCovid-19