The Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU) announced that it will not sanction 15s league play for the fall portion of the 2020-21 season. The EPRU and Capital geographic unions (GUs) compete in the Mid-Atlantic competitive region, and typically weight their league seasons in the fall and concentrate club playoffs in the spring.
The following is a message from EPRU President Bryan Dewease to member clubs:
I am sad to announce that due to the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 virus, the EPRU will not sanction competitive league play in the fall of 2020.
The Board of Directors voted to not sanction EPRU play in the 2020 MAC Fall 15s rugby competition. Competition Coordinators and club leaders have been made aware of this update. This decision didn’t come easy, but it was the right thing to do.
At the time of this release, clubs in our Union still stand in Stage 3 of USA Rugby Return to Play Guidelines. I want to remind clubs to continue to follow the Stage 3 guidelines and that any rugby activities in capacities outside of Stage 3 are not sanctioned by the Union nor are they covered under current USA Rugby liability insurance. The EPRU will continue to address and inform members of any changes in Return to Play status as they occur and will continue to review against the state and regional restrictions.
Rugby players, I have been involved in this game for over 30 years as a player, coach, referee and administrator. This is the most difficult thing I have had to write. While we may not be playing, I encourage us all to stay connected to and support our local clubs. Thank you for your support and understanding.