Rugby activity on hold for all age grade groups, Mens and Womens senior sides
Following the latest nationwide lockdown, and discussions with the RFU, all practical rugby activity is once again on hold at Old Deer Park until 2 December 2020.
This is a consecutive blow following last weeks confirmation that league rugby in 20/21 has been canceled.
Training and squad preparation, already the longest pre season in living memory, is on hold.
In addition, all social and member access to Old Deer Park and the various bars, is prohibted until further notice.
The club board had already made contingency for the event of a second lock down and operations remain steady and sustainable.
That said this latest blow does not lessen the impact on our wider family and on hopes of a return to the vibrancy of normal London Welsh RFC life.
We have already established several sub committees to the main board that are busy targeting various covid related issues and lockdown progressive projects.
We are determined to use this time well and to turn the negative aspects into positives so that our members and supporters will have a further enhanced experience when normal life does resume (which IT WILL).
Club Chairman Danny Griffiths commented ‘ As disappointing as this latest Covid enforced hiatus is, the club is very strong and has galvanised in this adversity, as always. We are using our time wisely to advance club initiatives and to enhance the unique experience for our community. Just this month has seen the launch of our second phase of redevelopment at Old Deer Park (Grandstand redevelopment), the launch of a new clothing range with Penwisg to compliment our long standing relationship with main suppliers Rhino and of course confirmation of the continued support of main club sponsors Chestertons for the our continued journey.
The club is in a very strong position and we remain hopeful for a meaningful return to competitive rugby in early 2021.’
The latest RFU update on CV19 can be found here:
https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/coronavirus
During this period we will see a return to Stage A in the RFU return to rugby road map; having previously reached stage D.
The club, as ever, remains here to support our extended community. Please do reach out if any help is needed both in your personal or professional lives. The support network that is the #lwfamily is extensive and multifasceted, if you need help we are here. The London Welsh Careers HUB is here to help anyone who is finding times difficult in a work sense and please do use that resource!
In better news there has been encouraging noise from many RFU channels regarding new look rugby competitions for the New Year; we will keep you posted as soon as we know more.
Rugby life will return to our community, stay strong and stay safe during this uncertain time. To cheer you up and give you your regular club fix of updates, don’t forget to delve in to the London Welsh RFC Podcast back catalogue, there are some great interviews from amazing guests via the Spotify and Applepodcasts platforms.
#lwfamily
