Rugby club adapting…

The current pandemic has affected everyone’s way of life, & Stocksbridge Rugby Club are no exception.

Unable to complete their play off fixtures at the end of last season, Stocksbridge have also been denied the opportunity of partaking in the Spring Cup, where they were runners up last season. Plans are in place to commence pre-season training as soon as the club can agree certain control measures in line with RFL guidance. When the new season does start, Stocksbridge Rugby will need to appoint a new 1st XV Captain as the inspirational Ricky B Rowett has chosen to stand down due to family commitments, leaving current vice captain Adam R Frith as favourite to replace him. Rumours also persist that Club Supremo, Rhys Keenan has relinquished the Head Coach role to concentrate on his own playing career, now he is free of injury.

Club Chairman Andy Bell has thanked both for their commitment & contribution to the playing side.

Off the field, the members have been busy preparing for the upcoming season with a vigorous maintenance programme on the playing pitches, seephoto. Volunteers have also carried out vital refurbishments in the clubhouse, with an eye on any potential reopening dates. All within social distancingguideline, of course.

One of the main fund raising, & social events of the calendar Year, the Annual Club Dinner has also had to be cancelled this Year. The Club has a history of attracting big name speakers to create interest, & the funds usually raised will be sorely missed this Year. The majority of the General Committee will remain as previous, so the Club is in a relatively good place to continue, when conditions allow.

Most of the 1st team squad have been training at home, with big 2nd rower, slammin Sam Whitaker & scrum half, that man Adam Frith running 5k per day for a Month to raise funds for the NHS. They have raised over £1300 so far, with money still coming in.