This week the RFU announced there will be no return to competitive fixtures until January 2021, at the earliest.
This news will be a disappointment to many but the confirmation of what many suspected does at least offer our club the opportunity to carefully assess and plan what we must do to prepare properly in the period up to Christmas, so that all players, members, sponsors and spectators have something tangible to look forward to in the New Year.
In response to this decision Director of Rugby Sam Simpson takes a positive view "Next week all our coaches will meet on Zoom to discuss our progress so far this season and agree the next steps we’ll take to maintain a progression of activity in the months ahead. We appreciate the commitment we’ve received so far in renewed memberships and support and it’s important we consider how we continue to keep rugby attractive to our players, our sponsors and our community. Although social gatherings are not permitted, Rugby Union has a government approved return to play protocol in place, which means the organised outdoor activities we host here at Eccles that follow the strict guidelines can continue. Our Saturday Touch Rugby is growing in popularity every week and our Minis and Juniors are seeing good numbers on Sunday mornings. We can't foresee what the outcome of this delay in fixtures might be going forward for rugby and Eccles, but if we don’t loose heart, keep our commitment and keep enjoying our training we’ll be ready for the green light when it happens."
