Competitive rugby returns for Haywards Heath RFC - and the excitement is palpable

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The excitement was palpable as Heath RFC travelled to Horsham RFC on Saturday for the first competitive fixture since early March.

Even though Return4Rugby rules make the game a shadow of its former self, it was nonetheless a committed squad of over 20 players who made the journey to represent the red and black of Heath on a rugby pitch in a competitive series of short touch rugby games, in line with current RFU protocols.

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There were some significant debuts for a number of last year’s colts who have progressed through to the senior ranks and these players showed the speed they bring to the growing senior squad and the new skills they have learned after three months training with the seniors.

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Round robin touch tournament for U16 to U18s continues next weekendRound robin touch tournament for U16 to U18s continues next weekend
Round robin touch tournament for U16 to U18s continues next weekend

Teaming the newcomers with experienced players, Heath put out two squads – one made up of backs and the other forwards – who took on the opposition with gusto, showing that the players’ competitive juices have not been lost and enjoying the opportunity to play in front of a small, socially distanced yet loud number of supporters from each club.

Heath has also organised its own touch tournament for the Heath Academy – made up of players U16 through to U18 – allowing the strong youth squad to test themselves against each other. Last Sunday saw the second of three rounds of the Heath Academy Ready4Rugby Touch league featuring the combined squads of both the Colts and Under 16s.

Over 75 players took part in the round robin competition in which 8 teams of mixed age groups played against each other at Whitemans Green. High skill and fitness levels were on display with some of the 15 minute games being very close encounters. Round 3 of the tournament takes place this weekend with all to play for as each of the teams try and get themselves into the play off positions for finals day later this month.

HHRFC remains committed to building a new multi-sports facility at Whitemans Green with the invaluable assistance of its Main Club Sponsor Fairfax and its education foundation Fairfax Building Young Futures. Work continues to bridge the remaining funding gap and a goal to start building in the first half of 2021 remains an achievable target.

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HHRFC senior squad enjoyed series of touch rugby encountersHHRFC senior squad enjoyed series of touch rugby encounters
HHRFC senior squad enjoyed series of touch rugby encounters

The Covid-19 pandemic makes the need for improved facilities for the rugby club and all other sport and social clubs in the Mid Sussex area that much more necessary in order to improve the health and wellbeing of all, confirm the longer term financial resilience of the clubs and integrate improved facilities for women and girls in the area.

A recent discussion with Mims Davies MP, President of HHRFC, was positive as all parties work to make the new Clubhouse a reality to boost sport and community facilities while also providing a base to assist the development of blended learning opportunities for teenagers under the guidance of Peter Chisholm MBE and the auspices of Fairfax Building Young Futures.

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