The main committee of Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club meet by video conference last night to discuss the current situation in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak.

In light of the concern for the health and welfare of all club members and associated parties, taking into account latest government advice as well as guidance from the RFU, it was unanimously agreed that all activity at Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club will be suspended with immediate effect until the end of April 2020 at the earliest.

The current public health situation is serious and one that is evolving on a daily basis, making it difficult to put a timescale on when the club could likely recommence activities. The main committee has therefore decided that this suspension will initially be put in place until the end of April. The group will then meet again on 21st April to assess the situation and to give further guidance as to when the suspension could potentially be lifted.

As a consequence of this announcement, all activity scheduled at the Club’s Portway ground either on or off the pitch from now until the end of April will, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, not now take place. This, sadly, includes the forthcoming Ladies Day and the Mike Norman Memorial Lunch, as well as any bookings taken from outside parties for the use our facilities, or any casual/unscheduled use of the pitches or premises.

We will continue to be in dialogue with any organisations who have booked the use of our facilities from May onwards to assess the situation on an on-going basis. It is also hoped that the club will be reopen in time to host its Annual General Meeting, which has been provisionally scheduled for Tuesday 2nd June, although this is clearly dependent on how things develop in the interim.

There will be a need for some limited activity at the club during the suspension period, both to “mothball” the premises and to continue with essential maintenance. Any ‘dirt trackers’, other volunteers or external contractors who come to the Portway site during this period will be asked to comply with the latest guidance issued by the Government (see links below) to minimise risks in relation to the spread of Coronavirus.

Full compliance of the above by all concerned will help minimise the risk to the safety and well-being of all concerned, which is of paramount importance. Should anyone have any questions or concerns regarding this announcement, please contact any member of the committee by email as below.

Main Committee Member Contacts

Membership Secretary, Jeremy Smith – membership@beesrugby.com
Head of Senior Rugby, Lou Lupoli – seniorrugby@beesrugby.com
Head of Junior Rugby, Pete Carr – petercarr70@outlook.com
Head of Operations, Tim Bennett – general@beesrugby.com
Treasurer, Richard Smith accounts@beesrugby.com

Links to Latest Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Latest Information from the RFU

https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rugby-football-union-suspends-all-rugby

Please stay safe and well in the meantime. COYBs

Richard Smith
Treasurer, on behalf of the Main Committee of Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club
Wednesday 18th March 2020