Delayed Re-start

At this stage I cannot see rugby before Christmas.

If we need four weeks at C, D and E then a couple of weeks of pre-season matches we might start the league in january.

We don't need four weeks between each stage except from E to F, to ensure  players have a month of proper contact training before playing a match.

I'm with you two, always thought the best we could hope for would be a January re-start unless a vaccine is found. 

 

Local lockdowns are the worst scenario as a club could have some players free to play and others not. Or some teams in a league could be allowed to play and others not. Hopefully we will get some Rugby in post Christmas but I think it should be on a "friendly" basis with no relegation/promotion this season 

Are there directs flights between the two islands?

And regardless what an absolute ridiculous waste of money to play these games in August when who are you all going to play next.

Why do U’14s need to travel on this trip to play a game?  I for one simply don’t see the need or any justification

 

There are presently direct flights. Both Islands have been Covid free for a couple of months but with restrictions on travel on and off the Islands. Presently only residents, unless they are essential workers can travel back to the IoM and they then have to self isolate for 14 days. The only exception is if from the IoM you go to Guernsey. It was therefore decided to put on flights between the two Islands so people could have a break if they wished without having to isolate for 14 days on return. There are only a few flights a week and they quickly sold out.

 

Why do U'14s need to come to the IoM this week end to play a game. Well why do the U'15s, U16's etc.? Why go on tour as adults, why play rugby at all. Probably because they enjoy it and it gives them a chance to play somebody different.  

 

I am aware of what is going on but did not want to derail the topic. Pre Covid only Douglas of the men's side would have been in the RFU league structure in 20/21 as the rest of the IoM clubs are effectively at to low a level to be in the RFU leagues due to the number in the separate Lancashire Cheshire leagues. Additionally Douglas are probably the only IoM club who can raise the required funding to meet the increased contribution the RFU demand year on year.

 

I am not sure Douglas could meet the £40k travel costs this year as their big money spinner is running a campsite during the TT and that was cancelled this year. It is probably irrelevant as back on topic I cannot see any games pre the New Year and even if there are whether the flight restrictions between the IoM and the UK are eased enough to allow travel and if it is airlines start operating a Saturday flight schedule that makes getting to and from games in the UK is doubtful. Guernsey are in a better position as their Government has its own airline.

 

Back on topic. What will happen in 2021/22 is any bodies guess. I am sure that this season for many junior clubs if there are no meaningful games it will be difficult to keep players motivated and not drifting off to other sports that are being played. The hope is that they then come back.

Finally. Some good news.