Solly backs the call to halt action - The Worcester Observer

Solly backs the call to halt action

Worcester Editorial 25th Mar, 2020   0

WARRIORS chief Alan Solomons has backed the decision to postpone top flight rugby in England and said it would be wrong to continue playing and exposing supporters, players and staff to unnecessary risk.

The Sixways boss spoke out to reveal the club’s disappointment at the enforced break for the Gallagher Premiership which has been placed on hold until at least April 20 because of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Premiership Rugby chiefs have vowed to review the situation on a ‘daily basis’ and accepted summer rugby was ‘inevitable’ if the competition is to have any chance of a successful conclusion.

Currently Warriors would restart the season with a home game against Bristol Bears on Friday, April 24 but it Is thought highly unlikely top flight sport will resume on that day, especially with the announcement of a three-week lockdown by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.




In a message to supporters, Solomons said: “The Coronavirus pandemic poses a threat to public health not experienced in recent times and it is only sensible all steps are taken to prevent its spread.

“In the short-term the players, coaching and support staff have been given a short rest period away from the club. All players have been given individual training programmes before resuming full training ahead of the hoped-for return to action against Bristol Bears.


“We will continue to be guided by the advice of Public Health England, the Government and Premiership Rugby and all staff will adhere to the latest medical advice on the disease.

“We hope you and your families all stay safe during this challenging and worrying time and look forward to playing in front of you at Sixways again as soon as possible,” he added.

While top flight teams look set to complete their season, all clubs below the Premiership and the women’s Premier 15 league have seen their seasons ended by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

RFU chief Bill Sweeney confirmed the end of the 2019/20 season for all league, cup and county rugby and said the organisation was in discussions with Premiership Rugby chiefs. This means Warriors Women’s Tyrrells Premier 15s campaign has ended.

“The decision to confirm the end of the season was taken to assist with long-term planning and provide clarity to the game at a time of continuous change,” he said.

“The RFU continues to work on a range of options to support clubs at this challenging time and aims to outline these in more detail by mid-April.”

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