Update from SJRU chairman…
MESSAGE TO ALL CLUBS FROM CHAIR OF THE SJRU
Dear All,
In this update, I wanted to fill you in on what the Board and our Operational Team have been looking at for options about returning to play. The options we go with depends on how COVID-19 plays out and what guidance we get from both Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby. I think we can all agree it seems very unlikely the current guidance from RA about returning in May will continue. We are expecting to get an update from RA later next week about a revised return to play date and also return to play protocols for training. As soon as we hear more about that we will pass it on to you.
In the meantime, our Operational Team have been busy working on a variety of different scenarios and planning what we can do to present a meaningful opportunity for kids to play rugby. There’s no point in going through all those scenarios with you until we know more about when we can get back on the field, but they include a range of different options for when we could return and what can be done in the available time. It’s important to understand that we are contemplating scenarios where our regular Sunday, Friday and Girls competitions must be materially amended. In any event, we are focusing on offering sensible and enjoyable options for kids to play rugby, which may include less emphasis on competitions and more on participation and enjoyment. Once we know more about commencement dates, I am confident that our revised plans are ready go.
Sadly the Board has decided that it is not possible to run the Inter-District Minis Gala Day in its current form on June 20th. We thank all those clubs who had expressed interest in being a host venue and will look to what alternative options we can provide to our Minis. Lisa Rothwell, our new Minis Director, will be in touch shortly with the District Minis Coordinators to discuss future arrangements for Minis. You would also no doubt have seen that NSWJRU have cancelled the State Championships on the June long weekend, another sad outcome from this year’s upheaval.
Right now there are a lot more serious issues in the world than focusing too much on junior rugby. However, like you, when we come through this, we want to ensure that there are opportunities for the kids of Sydney to run on the field with their friends and be a part of something great. We appreciate your ongoing support during these tricky times and will be in touch as soon as we can provide further updates.
