Haywards Heath RFC will continue to organise non-contact fixtures

Haywards Heath RFC will continue to organise non-contact fixtures with other clubs following the RFU's latest announcement.
By Mark Dunford
Published 25th Sep 2020, 10:01 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2020, 10:06 BST
Strict COVID-19 protocols have enabled Heath to get back to rugby adopting the evolving RFU RoadmapStrict COVID-19 protocols have enabled Heath to get back to rugby adopting the evolving RFU Roadmap
Strict COVID-19 protocols have enabled Heath to get back to rugby adopting the evolving RFU Roadmap

Following the latest lockdown restrictions from the government announced the week, the RFU have confirmed that, with the exception of the Premiership, Champions and Premier 15s rugby, no organised RFU or non-RFU leagues, including merit tables, adult or age grade competitions will be played before January at the earliest.

SEE ALSO Burgess Hill RFC finding ways to generate funds as rugby restart is delayed again | Community rugby put on hold until at least January

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But Haywards Heath are delighted that organised sports that have been through return to play protocols can continue.

Players train in pods of six using improvised training methods to develop rugby skillsPlayers train in pods of six using improvised training methods to develop rugby skills
Players train in pods of six using improvised training methods to develop rugby skills

Chairman Mark Newey said: “Although the RFU has just announced that a return to full contact competition league rugby for a club such as Heath is delayed until January 2021 at the earliest, we are delighted that organised sports that have been through return to play protocols can continue.

"This means that Heath can continue to train both senior and youth squads and organise non-contact fixtures with other Clubs using Return4Rugby and other touch rugby activity.

“We are excited to bring live competitive rugby back to Whitemans Green on Saturday 3 October against our local Sussex rivals, Horsham RFC and, in line with our thorough approach to Covid-19 protocols, we are implementing a risk assessment and will publish spectator guidelines prior to the event.”

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The Return4Rugby rules allow 10 a-side touch rugby - a regimen which the Club has been using in training.

With over 70 seniors back training at Heath during the summer and over 60 Under 6s already signed up for the new season, it is clear the demand for rugby continues throughout the ages and the Club will be doing everything in its power to implement its strict use of sterilised equipment and administrative protocols for all age groups, ensuring current good practice continues. The Club sees this as not just being about rugby within a controlled framework but also important for maintaining the future health and well-being of the Mid Sussex community during these unprecedented times.

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