This week saw some good news for the sports sector as government announced the return to play for professional non-contact sport, although under strict conditions. Unfortunately, rugby is a contact sport and we have to await further announcements as the world continues the fight against the Corona Virus, but this is certainly good news for the sport sector.
Further good news was announced that training and exercise is now open from 6 am to 6 pm. The regulations stipulate that this may not take place in organised groups and must take place according to strict protocols, but we know that this is a great relief for our members.
Many of our clubs have appointed fitness and conditioning coaches and we are happy to say that most of our players continue to work according to the programmes sent to them. The guidance of these fitness experts has been particularly important as the training methods have adjusted as the lockdown phases rolled out.
It’s worth noting that in 2018, due to the severe drought in the Western Cape our club rugby season only started in June and although no matches were played our members remained active and rugby ready. This showed us again that our rugby membership can remain active and continue to serve their members beyond the four white lines.
It’s this approach of serving the club rugby community that makes WP Rugby such a special structure. The lockdown period has galvanised our structures even further and we continue to see our clubs reach out and support the neighbours in their perimeter.
To mention just a few, Langa RFC together with local NGO’s and primary schools has been busy with food parcels to support children in the neighbourhood. Noordelikes RFC under the guidance of Abraham Fredericks has been helping the residents in Elsies Rivier. Van der Stel RFC has been collecting food to distribute with the help of 3rd team coach Avril Fillies. Rocklands RFC has been busy helping in the Tafelsig and Mitchels Plain areas with soup kitchens and St Georges and Vineyards have also been helping in their neighbourhoods with much-needed support. These are just a few examples of the great work our club administrators are doing and we take our hats off to them.
While physical activity has been restrictive there has been a big focus on the administrative side of our club structures. This has included preparation for annual general meetings later in the year with matters such as fine-tuning constitutions and policies at club level.
It’s good to know the clubs have been getting their paperwork in order as this will put them in a position of readiness when the Lotto applications process opens next month. Lotto funding is a vital part of amateur sport and clubs are reminded to be on the alert for notifications in this regard.
Our referee recruitment program continues and our clubs are reminded to nominate candidates to join the WP Rugby referee society. This will help us tremendously when we get back on the park. This is the perfect time to sign up and build your rugby law knowledge.
Next week will see the roll-out of the new African Bank app which will make signing up as an African Bank customer super easy. The African Bank My World bank account is fast becoming one of South Africa most sought after bank accounts and the fact that African Bank offers such excellent interest rates makes it even more appealing. Click here to open your My World bank account now