This week we have great news, after canvassing players, coaches and parents it has been agreed to return to rugby training as soon as possible.
Everyone is exceptionally keen to get back out on the pitch! Based on the latest government announcement this will be from Monday April 26th for all players from U6 to U18, with seniors to return at a future date to be confirmed.
Training will be limited to pods of 15 and will be non-contact initially, with full Covid regulations, as per earlier in the season
The IRFU have kindly agreed to extend insurance for all rugby teams over the summer (it normally elapses after May) to allow the possibility of games to be played.
First, we will have training, which hopefully will be in improving weather coming into the summer, with the possibility of some matches maybe in 7s/10s format later as regulations, hopefully continue to relax.
All options are open in what will be new territory for all rugby clubs in Ireland.
You can find draft training times below, if you have any questions, please contact your age groups coach. Please note all of below is changeable depending on demand and government regulations.
Draft Training Schedule (from April 26th)
U6-U12 Sunday 10.30-11.45am
U11 Thursday 7-8pm
U12-U14 Girls Wednesday 7-8pm
U13 Boys Wednesday 7-8.30 Sunday 12-1.30pm
U14 Boys Thursday 6.30-8pm
U15 Boys Monday & Thursday 7-8.30pm
U16 Boys Thursday 7.30-9
U16-U18 Girls Wednesday 7.30-9pm
U17 Boys Wednesday 7.30-8.45pm
U18 Boys Wednesday 7.30-9pm
Skills Challenges
Log on to our Club Community Rugby Officer Dylan Quinn’s Twitter page for weekly skills challenges from Dylan and other Leinster CCRO’s.
The Longford/Mini Youth Section have also launched an initiative where club coaches will be posting weekly skills challenge videos. Log onto facebook to view these.
It is tough for everyone not being able to train but now is the time to work on your skills especially something you have always wanted to work on as hopefully come September rugby will be back in full swing.
Why not contact your coach and ask him to help you plan a training strategy which you can do from you own home?
History
We are currently writing a comprehensive history of the club and are finding really interesting information.
For example, rugby first started in Longford in 1888 and continued right up until the 2nd World War with the club reforming in the 70s.
There was even a team in Ballymahon. If you have any documents, pictures, jerseys or memorabilia relating to the club, please let us know by email or contact Derick Turner.
This week we are looking to identify where Longford are playing in this 1920s match in the photo. It could be Wards Field, which would be close to the current Wards Terrace.
Any suggestions, would be appreciated.
New 3G Pitch
Like all non-essential construction sites work on our new state of the art 3G pitch has been suspended since the start of the year.
However, be assured that all systems are ready to go to take advantage of the improving weather to have the pitch ready to go for the start of new season, when hopefully we will be back to playing rugby. Fingers crossed we can get back to work in the coming weeks.
Website
Great news, www.longfordrugby.com is back up and running with an updated club crest, which goes back to the future and an updated header and footer.
Check out our website for all things Longford Rugby and more. If you want to contribute articles or pictures, they are welcome, please email.
