JAN 24 / PRESS RELEASE • More Covid Cancelations
This past Monday, January 18th, the CGRU [Carolinas Geographic Rugby Union] board held our monthly meeting. A majority of the discussion was based around the possibility of a spring 2020 matrix season occurring. As a board, we had hoped that we would be in a position for teams to begin training and preparing for a 15s season to begin playing in March. The discussion was had on whether to delay making a final decision at our February meeting. It has become clear to us that this will not be viable and instead of delaying the inevitable, we have voted to move on with hope of a 7s season and officially ending any formal 15s matrix season.
We are aware of multiple teams who have tried to practice while following guidelines yet have still had outbreaks of Covid-19. We are also aware that club rugby teams cannot afford to test like professional or college teams. Many clubs are unable to get fields to practice and are unlikely to get access to fields before April at the earliest. As the vaccines slowly rolls out, we are optimistic that we will be cleared to play in time for a sevens season.
We are asking for feedback from individuals and clubs on upcoming plans. We would like to see if you have any thoughts on your club’s next steps. If you are interested in contributing, please fill out the accompanying form.
We all miss playing; it is important that we engage with our local communities now more than ever and continue to build our team cultures on positive ways. We would love for you to send us an email or tag us on social media in club photos or stories showing how you are positively interacting with your communities. Here are some ideas for you about which the board has heard:
- Feed the homeless
- Volunteer at a pet shelter
- Arrange a highway clean up
- Volunteer at a local boys and girls club
- Arrange a socially distanced fundraiser
- Team golf or Frisbee golf outing
- Find a local small business to support
- And many more
We can build teamwork and give back to the community that desperately needs help during these trying times. Please fill out the form to provide your feedback and to ask any questions that you may have that we can address.
We also need to stress to our members that it is vitally important all of our clubs continue to abide by the guidelines provided by USA Rugby, and their state and local governments to stay safe during this pandemic.
Sincerely,
CGRU Board