With the league season below the top two tiers scrapped for 2020-21, there is an increasing concern that players, fans and sponsors may drift away
Wander past any local rugby club this month and the first-team pitch will be looking as pristine as it has ever done. Sadly, it is the question, “I wonder when they’re next going to play a competitive game on it?”, that is now most pertinent. Lockdowns are grim news for many businesses and individuals, but they threaten the very lifeblood of community rugby in Britain.
Listen, for example, to this heartfelt plea from John Inverdale, who in addition to his impressive broadcasting CV is now chairman of the National Clubs Association, the body representing the 48 English clubs in tiers three and four immediately below the Premiership and Championship. “The big concern is that people will just find other things to do with their lives. That’s not a concern if you’re Bristol Bears or Leicester but it is a big problem if you’re Blaydon, Dings Crusaders or Worthing.”
Written by Robert Kitson
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2020/nov/03/lockdown-leaves-rugby-clubs-with-growing-fears-over-the-future under the title “Lockdown leaves rugby clubs with growing fears over the future | Robert Kitson”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
