Rugby clubs in Scotland are given choice of postponing matches due to rise in Covid cases
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SCOTTISH Rugby have given the clubs the choice of postponing this weekend's matches due to the number of Covid cases in Scotland.
Given the continued rise in Covid numbers over the festive period – topping 20,000 positive cases yesterday – Scottish Rugby has taken the decision to allow clubs to postpone their scheduled adult club league fixtures for Saturday and Sunday.
The decision was taken last night following feedback from clubs, discussion with President Ian Barr and Vice President Colin Rigby.
Highland are due to face Boroughmuir at Canal Park in Inverness on Saturday in a National One clash.
Highland 2nd XV are due to host Moray at Canal Park in Caledonia North Two with Highland 3rd XV scheduled to travel to Fraserburgh in Caledonia North Four.
Inverness Craig Dunain are not scheduled to return to action in Caledonia North Four until Saturday, January 15. With Inverness Craig Dunain Women playing their next game on Saturday, January 22.
In addition to the rise in Covid cases, the subsequent impact on numbers of people self-isolating and potential strains on travel and changing-room usage were also factors in the decision.
Director of Rugby Development, Gavin Scott said: “This has been a tough decision as we try to find a balance between looking out for each other and our responsibilities to wider society during the current rise in Covid numbers and, at the same time, not being overly dogmatic.
“Training and playing rugby are still considered a low-risk activity from the guidance we have received from the Scottish Government and public health experts, so, as part of that balance, what we are saying to clubs today is you can still train and play this weekend, as long as you ensure any activity is in line with our current Return to Rugby measures and Scottish Government guidance.
“In the event that clubs, on consultation with each other, decide that they would prefer that their fixture was rescheduled to a later date, they may take advantage of a blanket waiver that allows that rescheduling to happen with no penalty imposed on either team.
Meanwhile, youth, school and mini-rugby can take place utilising the current Return to Rugby guidance and risk assessment process.
