Heath RFC's former stars in action as professional rugby finally returns - along with positive step towards normality for grassroots clubs

It was also announced last week that community rugby can return to stage C of the RFU roadmap meaning that 10-a-side touch rugby could return for training purposes only with a maximum 15 minutes continuous activity at any one time. All the established COVID-19 protocols remain in place with players confirming their personal COVID status at registration for each training session and continuous sterilising of all rugby equipment during training sessions, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

At Heath, not only are the senior squad back training and evidently enjoying the competitive element that touch rugby allows, but also almost all the junior age groups from Under 12 through to Under 16s and the Colts are back enjoying weekly fitness training interspersed with rugby skills as allowed under the RFU roadmap. Heath RFC have been trailblazers in the way they have adopted and publicised their return to rugby protocols and a series of videos posted on the Club’s social media channels show how the senior squad has been able to enjoy a return to rugby, albeit in a new, previously unfamiliar, environment.

Commenting on the Club’s position, Mark Newey Chairman at HHRFC said: “I am proud of the way all of our coaching teams from the seniors right down through the junior age groups have adopted the COVID-19 protocols as specified by the Board and it has been fabulous to see so many age groups back enjoying rugby in its current form.

"Of course following promotion to London 1 South we are all hoping that the new season will be able to start for real in the not too distant future but, however far off that may be at the moment, the main thing is to make sure that the values of rugby - teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship - continue to thrive and players of all ages and abilities can reconnect with rugby and the Club. Rugby is a great way to get fit and stay fit while making new friends and I would encourage anyone interested in playing to come along to Heath and find out more.”

Although it has been more challenging to implement the new protocols for the mini age groups since large squad numbers and social distancing guidelines would have made this impossible for the younger ages, as the RFU Roadmap progresses through the stages, the Club hopes to have mini rugby back in some form during September and all new members of any age and ability are welcome to join the Club at any time (see www.hhrfc.co.uk for details).

At the same time, HHRFC’s mission to build a new multi-sports Clubhouse at Whitemans Green has not diminished instead becoming even more urgent during these times of the pandemic and the team behind the Clubhouse Fund continues to work towards the earliest possible start date for this invaluable asset for the Mid Sussex area.

The current facilities are no longer fit for purpose even before COVID-19 and now need replacing more than ever. With the ongoing commitment and involvement of Fairfax as Heath’s Main Club Sponsor and guiding light behind the new build Clubhouse plans, it is hoped other commercial and public partners in the local community will join forces with Heath to drive this project to a successful completion, supporting the future health and wellbeing of all in the area for years to come.