Following the Government’s latest review of its local coronavirus restrictions, Northwich Rugby Club has ceased all activity until further notice.

Cheshire, together with most of the North West of England, was moved into tier four (‘Stay At Home’) from midnight on New Year’s Eve.

As a result, until Wednesday, January 13 at the earliest, the impact is the following:

• Northwich Sports Bar remains closed
• Senior section training has stopped
• SuperStars practice sessions for children at Moss Farm on Sunday mornings are suspended

As a club, Northwich has carefully followed the Government’s guidelines to help limit the number of positive Covid-19 cases during the pandemic, and will continue to do so.

With that in mind, we are grateful to James Brown, our nominated Covid officer, for his expertise.

He has already updated our risk assessment to ensure the club remains compliant with the latest advice from the Government, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and England Rugby.

Restrictions in a tier four area do permit organised outdoor sport for under 18s.

For the community game, that means activity at Stage E on the RFU’s six-part road map that ends with the return of 15-a-side rugby.

However, given the rise in Covid-19 cases within schools and increasing rates of infection among Age Grade players, we believe there is a clear risk in continuing to train at this time.

“Our priority must be the safety and wellbeing of everyone,” said Martin Poste, director of rugby.

“That has been a common thread every time the rules have changed during the course of the pandemic, and we’re fortunate to be able to call on the informed guidance of a health professional when we make these judgements.

“It is thanks to James’ work that both the senior and junior players have been able to practice in a safe environment when the restrictions have allowed.”

For now, the club encourages all of our members and supporters to stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back again once lockdown is over.

In the meantime, we will issue a further communication when it is appropriate to do so.