2020 was a year like no other

Reflections on 2020

This past year has been tough for everyone and never more so than to our rugby playing fraternity. Due to Covid-19 Lockdowns etc., Rugby fixtures have been at a standstill since March and the RFU have cancelled the 2020/21 league season. On the positive side all players at all levels have been training and learning new skills supported by dedicated club coach Stu Beeley and his team, all the Mini & Junior coaches which is a testament to the spirit in the club. On a personal note they deserve a big vote of thanks One game that was played on 20th December saw a good game between our Junior Colts and Senior Colts with the Juniors coming out on top 24-19, well done to all.

The club committee have had an eventful year to make our new home a success. Changes have been made, improvements inside and outside the club house which I sure will benefit us all when rugby returns, whenever that maybe. I would like to thank all who have put time and effort into these changes but in this regard special mentions goes to our chairman Lewis Nunn looking after infrastructure, and Nick Stafford who has been our Covid-19 man advising on how to keep us safe.

The support from our rugby club community was a major factor in the unbelievable response to the Lockdown Challenge held over the weekend of 28th-29th November which raised over £5000 which was shared equally between the Club and NHS - Warrington & Halton Hospital's Charity so another big thanks to all concerned especially Dave Evans and the team who put it all together.

On the 17th December the club held via Zoom the Jingle Bell Ruck event which included quizzes for our Junior players and our older players and supporters. The Christmas raffle was drawn so many thanks to all those who donated a prize and to all who bought tickets. The evening was interspersed with messages from a number of ex-players, some from wonderful locations over the world and a few celebrities including David Campese, Sam Warburton and 2 Warrington Wolves players Blake Austin and Joe Philbin. I would like to thank the hard work put in by Dan, Chris J, Chris S, Paul, Mike and not forgetting Louise in putting the event together and making it an enjoyable evening. (some of the video messages can be found on Instagram – Warrington RUFC so take a look)

I would like to wish all club players and supporters a Happy New Year and hope 2021 is a far better year than this year has been.

Roll on the vaccine & the right to play rugby again.

Take care and stay safe.

Geoff Perks
Hon President.

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