Heath RFC get rugby back on track with Ready4Rugby Touch

Despite the challenges of introducing Covid-secure protocols across all mini and junior age groups as the Under 6s through to U16s returned to rugby on Sunday, Heath has committed to offering rugby for all with additional touch rugby sessions on a Saturday morning for all ages and abilities, men and women, boys and girls from Under 11 upwards.
By Mark Dunford
Published 14th Sep 2020, 12:39 BST
Updated 14th Sep 2020, 12:40 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

As a registered rugby club Heath are exempt from the latest Covid restrictions and can continue to provide regulated touch rugby as an organised sport provider. The first session following the RFU’s Ready4Rugby guidelines took place last weekend and a cross-section of ages and abilities came together for 10 v 10 touch games at Whitemans Green.

With everyone confirming their Covid status prior to taking to the pitch, and continuous sterilisation of the equipment used, the Club was able to offer a fun session for all regardless of age and experience.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An important addition to the rugby schedule that will help improve the health and fitness of club members and, longer term provide, a platform for increased participation in rugby in the area.

Saturday morning Touch rugby sessions at HHRFC to keep everyone fit and healthy while having funSaturday morning Touch rugby sessions at HHRFC to keep everyone fit and healthy while having fun
Saturday morning Touch rugby sessions at HHRFC to keep everyone fit and healthy while having fun

Hot on the heels of these touch sessions, all mini and junior age groups returned to rugby on Sunday with staggered start times for the training sessions to provide sufficient pitch space for each age group to work in appropriate pods, maintaining social distancing wherever possible.

It is hoped that as an organised sport that has worked tirelessly since July to introduce and maintain return to play and stringent Covid protocols, Haywards Heath Rugby Club will be able to continue to train and provide a much-needed sport activity for the youth of Mid Sussex during the coming season.

Over 400 adults and children attended over the two days, demonstrating the confidence and trust the membership have in the exceptional day to day operation of the Club, despite its limited Clubhouse facilities. Particularly encouraging was the new intake of budding young rugby players with over 40 new participants to the sport having fun in the Under 6 section.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dan Vander, HHRFC Vice Chairman who ran the touch session on Saturday said “The Board is committed to implementing strict rules to make sure that our specific tried and tested Covid protocols, hand cleaning and equipment sanitising are adhered to by everyone.

New rugby season started in unprecedented circumstances with Covid-secure protocols in placeNew rugby season started in unprecedented circumstances with Covid-secure protocols in place
New rugby season started in unprecedented circumstances with Covid-secure protocols in place

"This means we will be able to continue to run touch sessions for all and play an albeit small role in maintaining the future health and wellbeing of men, women and children who want to get active in the Mid Sussex area.”

Touch rugby will continue next Saturday morning from 9.30am to 10.45am (all members and non-members welcome) and mini and junior rugby starts from 9.30am on Sundays. Taster sessions are available. More information at www.hhrfc.co.uk