I hope you all managed to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas with your loved ones where possible. As you will know our region, like many others within the country is now in tier 4. This has put further restrictions on playing and training. To clarify the rules surrounding this and the clubs stance please see the information below.
Senior Section Update:

Summary: Senior rugby is not permitted under Tier 4 restrictions. This includes games and training.

Gov.uk – Sports & Physical Activity - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae#sports-and-physical-activity

Junior Section Update:

Summary: The committee has agreed to postpone the restart of all Junior section Rugby in 2021; there is no confirmed date when training will restart.

Details: Since the 26th December Suffolk has been in Tier 4: Stay at Home. The RFU statement from the 19th December regarding the then ‘new’ Tier 4 restriction informs that Rugby, as an organised outdoor sport, is permitted by the UK government to continue for U18s only. However, later in their statement they mention waiting for further guidance from the UK government and suggest all future trainings to be cancelled. It highlights that all U18 training session rely on a large number of adults for coaching, facilities and parents. As a committee, we do not think it is responsible to be encouraging any rugby training during this tier 4 restriction. Both our local Suffolk and national case numbers are still on the rise; with increasing concerns to this higher infection rate strain and stress on the NHS.

Latest RFU update on tier 4 - https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rfu-tier-4-rugby-update?fbclid=IwAR2lEZPcNpkFnEeIAwFAIpVLBkTZpjrvyTJnsJUL42O1aDfFSA7w56uIc4c

RFU Help Desk Q&A – Tier System https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/club-support-centre/helpdesk-faqs

Clubhouse:

The clubhouse will remain closed until further notice.

This is obviously not the news we would like to give however we do feel that cancelling training for u18’s and lower is the sensible decision to take at this time.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this information. If you have any questions please feel free to let me know or approach another member of the committee. I look forward to seeing you all soon, stay safe and look after each other.

Thanks,
Tom Anderson
Stowmarket RUFC Chairman