It has been a very long time since we were last training, and even longer since we were last on our usual playing fields. Between reseeding, irrigation and COVID-19 we’ve missed a lot of rugby time – but that changes now.

Under the current phase 3, stage 1 of re-opening Massachusetts we feel confident we can safely offer rugby training to all club members. But it will be a bit different.

Season
The season will be shorter this fall. We are currently planning 4 sessions: 9/20, 9/27, 10/4 and 10/11. If MA reinstates any part of the lock down, we will have to cancel the subsequent sessions, by contrast, if the weather holds, and we remain in phase 3, stage 1, and there is interest from the players we may extend the season.

Training
Things will look different in training. Due to COVID-19 we cannot offer the breadth of training we usually offer in the fall but that does leave scope for other activities.

What we cannot offer is contact training, and we are reviewing what form of game like play we can offer – we want to respect the need for social distancing for the players as well as the coaches.

Kicking
One of the most overlooked aspects of rugby in the US is kicking – not just drop kicks to start and restart games and convert tries; but in game punt kicking for position in attack and relieving pressure in defense; grubbers to turn defenses right by the try line etc. As you know, we are offering a kicking clinic, with US Eagle and Free Jack captain Tadhg Leader on Sept 13, and we will continue with a theme of kicking through out this season.

Passing
In addition, we will also target passing – both technique and in game passing to create space. While we look at passing every year, as we’ve heard of Coach Daniel’s podcasts, the elite youth rugby ranks in the US rate passing as one of their top requirements – we can only get better. Fear not, it will be more than standing and throwing the ball at each other!

Payment and Registration
Because of the uncertainty of the duration of the season, we intend to go week to week on payments. For all players, the cost will be $10 per session, payable on the day. While we acknowledge that this is far from desirable for all of us, it makes things considerably easier than trying to work refunds.

This in turn means that there is no formal registration process.

Obviously this makes planning very hard for the coaches, comment on this post on TeamApp to let us know if you plan to train this fall.

Safety, Waivers and Health Checks
Every effort is being made to create a safe environment. The rugby balls will be disinfected before each session, and disinfectant will be used frequently to reduce the risk of germs being spread. Hand sanitizer will be readily available – but anything that can be brought from home will help.

We will try to keep groups and pairings consistent, so the same people train together as much as possible to minimize the spread.

On arrival, each player will need to answer simple health check questions: in the last two weeks have you a) have you had a fever b) have you experienced an unexpected shortness of breath c) have you had a continuous cough or d) been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus. If the answer to any of those questions is yes, we will have to ask that player not to train.

All people attending will be required to wear a mask with not actively part of a drill. Parents and guardians are asked to make every effort to socially distance.

Lastly, we will need everyone to complete a waiver indicating that you understand the risks associated with training. The waiver is attached.

We’re back and we couldn’t be happier

Having said all that, we could not be happier about getting back out – the fields look spectacular, the weather looks great and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone on Sept 20th.