Carlow Rugby Club opened its gates last week for some on-field action for the first time this year. The Club welcomed minis, youths, and Carlow Bees for training sessions in pods of 15.
From Monday 10th May outdoor training for adults in pods of 15 will also be permitted.
The returning players showed great excitement and delight at being back with their friends which were added to by the good weather of last week.
Matches
From Monday, June 7th it is envisaged that rugby matches can resume but without spectators. The Carlow Club is looking towards touch or tag rugby during to Summer months.
For the moment the return to rugby is on the playing field only. Access to changing rooms and clubhouse facilities is still not allowed.
Competitions
The Provincial Town’s Cup and the Leinster League matches for 2020-21 have all been lost because of the Covid lockdown.
At this stage, Leinster Rugby is working on an alternative knock-out Cup competition for provincial clubs which would take place next August.
In Carlow’s case, the 1sts side would be entered into a draw of the 16 teams which are in Divisions 1A and 1B of the Leinster League.
The Carlow coaching team led by Corey Carty is also in place for the 2021-22 season.
Off the field
Whilst recent months have seen no on-field activity for local rugby there has been movement at the administration level.
A Leinster committee which was established to examine “Inclusivity” in rugby has come up with a number of proposals. The most significant of these would see Clubs with a women’s team in the All Ireland League promoted to Senior status even though men’s teams from the club continue to play junior rugby.
This would give women’s rugby parity with men and the immediate effect is that clubs such as Wicklow, Railway Union, and Suttonians would achieve senior status overnight.
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