August is now well under way and we can welcome you all to what will undoubtedly be a very different season from the previous norm. Schools are about to resume, but realistically the country is still taking only tentative steps out of lockdown and rugby will not be in the vanguard because of the amount of direct physical contact that the game involves. However, there is a hope that announcements in the next few weeks will give us more detail of when we can expect to be able to play games once again and I know that we will all look forward to that.
As you will be aware, senior pre-season training has begun – albeit under constraints – and the U18s will resume this week. We hope to be able to get the remainder of the playing side of the club back on the training pitch as soon as possible. And, of course, the bar has now re-opened – also under necessary constraints and with new working practices – so we can, at least, socialise together to some extent. In all this, we are hugely indebted to Gavin McQuillan and the committee volunteers who have worked so hard to put the necessary risk assessments, policies and procedures in place to keep us all safe. It’s hugely important now that we all make sure that we stick to the rules and minimise the opportunities for the virus to spread. We only have to look to Aberdeen to see how the misguided actions of a few can have enormous and wide-ranging consequences for many. Please look out for the regular updates that Gavin will be posting to keep everyone up to date on the latest club Covid-19 news.
And finally, as you will have seen from a previous post, subscriptions are now due for the season and we’ve got an online form for you to record your contact details. We’re strongly encouraging payment by Bank Transfer this season so as to minimise risks associated with handling cash and paper forms. If you’ve not already done so, please head to www.penicuikrugby.org/membership-form/ to complete the process. If you experience any difficulties with the form or if you have any questions about membership, please just email membership@penicuikrugby.org. As last year, there is a discount available for early payment.
Hopefully by next month we will have the real prospect of competitive rugby being played in the Park once more. I, for one, cannot wait.
Andy Law
Club President
