It is with regret that Pontypool RFC announces that the club has been notified by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) that the 2020-2021 season will not take place and no league rugby will be played this season.
Whilst we remain incredibly saddened that a return to rugby is not on the horizon for many months, Pontypool RFC fully supports the decision taken by the WRU today and we would encourage all those connected to the club to also back the decision.
With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise exponentially in Wales, Pontypool RFC would not be comfortable in resuming typical operations in the current climate and the club is realistic that the landscape will not sufficiently improve for several months.
Yes, we miss rugby. We are desperate for life to get back to normal. We want to turn our focus back to competing for promotion to the WRU Indigo Premiership at the earliest opportunity – but we don’t want to achieve our long-held goal at all costs.
If by waiting, we can improve the chances of our staff, squad, volunteers and supporters remaining safe and well throughout this pandemic, then wait we shall. The club remains in a stable position and it will be here for us all to enjoy again in a post-COVID world.
Pontypool RFC would like to thank the WRU’s Community Director, Geraint John, for how he has engaged with the club in recent months and supporters can rest assured that the club remains fully informed of developments as they arise.
The club would also like to place on record its sincerest gratitude to all the key workers who are doing everything possible to keep our communities safe during this pandemic. All of us have a responsibility to continue to take sensible precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent essential services from being overwhelmed.
For now, rugby is not the priority. Keeping safe and well and supporting our NHS and other key services is where our focus must be.
Pontypool RFC will continue to keep supporters informed of further developments in the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.
