Worcester RFC

Colts Return to Rugby March 2021

For many people involved in the sport of rugby, the last 12 months have been a challenge.  It is with great enthusiasm and optimism that I write to you to say we will get back to rugby really soon and we will hopefully get to reunite with friends and teammates, so as to enjoy some sport, fun and exercise.

Games were non-existent, but we did manage to get some training sessions in before it all had to stop again. The main reason for writing is to make you aware that we will be offering rugby in line with the RFU return to play road map from the earliest opportunity in March, commencing on the 30^th.  We will then continue through till the end of the rescheduled close of the season at the end of May.  This will give a 2-month window to enjoy getting back into rugby and work towards preparations for the new season in September 2021.

The Colts are a mixed age group and part of the benefits of this is that you get used to playing with other players of different ages, coming together as one squad. We are looking to welcome all players back who are eligible as an under 18 on the 1^st of September 2020.  Due to the current restrictions on the type of rugby we can offer, do not be concerned about your current fitness as it will be non-contact rugby to start, then developing to contact towards the start of May if everything goes to plan. This will be judged on aspects of safety and confidence of the group who return so don’t worry if you’ve been more sedentary than normal – many will be in the same boat and we’ll work at your own pace.

Beyond May the club are running a summer of touch event throughout the summer and anticipate entering teams from the Colts so there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the game beyond the end of the current season.

When you come back to play from the 30^th March, you will notice a few changes with regards to the faces in the management and coaching set up.  I need to publicly thank Andrew Atkins, Paul Holmes and Warren Dalby for their commitment and time and effort with the Colts, but all have decided to step away from volunteering at Worcester Rugby Club.  What I do want to do is reassure you right from the first session things are already in place to allow you to safely and smoothly engage in rugby.  Myself as DoR, Henry, Jem and other coaches from within the club will be running the sessions twice a week that will focus on enjoyment and healthy competition.   We do have more people to introduce to everyone going forward, people who will be providing coaching for you from now on alongside the existing faces you already know and supporting the section, but that will be in the weeks to come.

The key is to get people back playing rugby, support any player who may be at an age to transition into adult rugby, as well as support the current U16 age group transition in to the Colts set up ready for the new season.

I am sad we never got to see the true potential of this group of players this year, but I know many will enhance the adult game with their skill and athleticism, while others will be great role models for the younger players aspiring to play Colts rugby.

I am always open to be contacted regarding any matter to do with rugby and do hope we get to see as many players as possible take the opportunity to get back on the field and enjoy what we can of the 20-21 season.

Regards

Niall Crawford

Worcester Rugby Club DoR