Sadly you will have seen that we remain in tier 4 & in one of the highest infection areas in the country. Following the government announcements the RFU released the following statements regarding rugby in tier 4:

Clubs in a Tier 4 area should cancel any upcoming adult training/fixtures.

Adult players living in Tier 3 cannot travel into another Tier 3 area (or other Tiers) to train or play (which includes their own club if it is in a different geographic area).

At the time of writing, rugby activity in Tier 4 areas can continue for U18s (including those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020) and people with a disability as exemptions are in place. We will advise of any changes if we receive an update from Government in the next few days.

Age grade players may, due to Government exemptions for U18s, travel across tiers 1-3 to train or play and can be accompanied by one parent or carer. However, to protect all involved, we strongly recommend that wherever possible training and match play follows adult guidelines. Age grade players in Tier 4 may only travel within their specific Tier 4 area to train or play and may only be accompanied by one parent or carer.

Volunteers (including coaches and match officials) living in Tier 4 should only travel within their specific Tier 4 area to enable participation to take place for U18s ONLY.

We will update you when we receive further information from Government and will work hard to enable a safe return to rugby for all!

I believe the next review is 18th January so currently rugby activities will follow the guidelines outlined above. If things take a positive turn before the 18th we will of course review the potential for returning to training sooner.

Until such a time I'd like to wish all the players, their families, the coaches, committee, supporters, & anyone that is associated to Old Cooperians a very safe and happy new year! As always please try to stay safe & remember my phone is always on if you need me, and there is a brethren of players here for you if you are struggling and need any support.

Here's to a more positive 2021!

LasB

Andy Yarrow
Old Cooperians RFC
Director of Rugby