Sandbach RUFC received the news recently from the Rugby Football Union that due to the Covid19 situation, the season will not now start in September, as originally planned and the fixtures will be amended. The RFU did, however, announce that the community game will move from Stage B to Stage C of the Return to Rugby Road Map. This means that clubs can undertake non-contact training and hold inter-club matches. This is based on the RFU’s Ready 4 Rugby game, enabling two teams of up to 10 players to engage in training and match activity, in their own club environment. This game is essentially a variant of touch rugby, with strict conditions regarding risk assessments, test and trace procedures and pre attendance and hygiene measures. Though far from ideal it is at least a step in the right direction.
With another three phases still to go, the RFU also stated that unless there is a dramatic improvement in the prevalence of the virus in the community, the next announcement about when league rugby will commence will be on 1 September. With Stage F Return to Match Play being deemed to not be reached until at least four weeks after Stage E, it appears it may be some time before full-contact competitive league rugby can recommence.
Things, however, continue at the club in the background, with the Players Awards for last season being given out, at a socially distanced presentation outside the clubhouse over the weekend. Hooker Josh Brown capped an outstanding season by receiving the Players Player of the Year Award, while fellow joint top try-scorer centre Jack Leech was presented with the Coaches Player of the Year. Josh Brookes was awarded Young Player of the Year. Kieran “Tizer” Allsop scooped the Saxons award, following their successful season and promotion to the Premier League of the Halbro North West Leagues. While Dan Adams received the Stormers Player of the Season, for a number of stalwart performances, for what has been a decent season in a higher division for the Sandbach third string outfit. The afternoon was topped off with an award with an Outstanding Contribution to Sandbach RUFC, with long-serving players Mark Bird and Gaz Caen getting recognition, along with former club captain, coach, and Director of Rugby Will Stockdale.

Pad Davenport