The IRFU have just issued a statement in regards the 2019/2020 season. The Season is to conclude as of right now. There will be no relegation and no promotions. This is going to have a terrible impact on our J1’s no doubt, they worked super hard all year and were at the top of the table poised to go up to the division one. We as a committee have tried all avenues open to us, as of now there doesn’t seem to be any wiggle room. I have no doubt the lads will rally and come back fighting fit in September.

Our under 18’s will also miss out on playing a final in Irish Independent park and are all very disappointed, the IRFU has declared in their statement that any teams in a final will share the title. Its not much of a condolence but its better than nothing. It means our u18 are to share the Bowl title.

As a committee we would like to thank all the coaches of all ages who give up of their time to coach and organised games. Thanks especially to Claire who opens the cafe every Saturday and Sunday to keep us all warm with tea’s, coffee’s and hot chocolate. Thanks to all the parents who bring their youngsters up for training and drive them all over the country for matches, and supply sandwiches and snacks when needed. Its a pity the season had to end like this, I know a lot of our members and especially our players will be bitterly disappointed that the season ended with a sigh instead of a bang.

If anything changes I will update you all as soon as I can.

Following on from last weeks directive the club is closed and should not be used for social gathering by members, players and or parents of players of the club. The IRFU directed all rugby activities to cease and we took the step in line with the recommendations to close the club and cease all rugby activities. You are been asked to avoid gathering in groups for at least 2 weeks not for your health but for the health of others. It is a sacrifice we are all making.

Its important to note that the club is closed and if you injure yourself while climbing over a gate or a fence you are not covered by insurance. Can we ask all parents and coaches to reinforce this with our younger members. Stay away from each other and stay away from the club in particular.

Thank you for your cooperation at this difficult time and under these unusual circumstances.

The Irish Rugby Football Union, together with Munster, Connacht, Leinster and Ulster Rugby have announced the suspension of all Domestic Rugby activity from 6pm this evening (March 12) until March 29 inclusive, in response to the latest Government advice on the Coronavirus (Covid – 19) pandemic.

Future Domestic Rugby activity will be reviewed in line with government advice.

The Munster Rugby offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park will be closed to the general public. Please direct any queries to info@munsterrugby.ie.

Training and Playing

All Rugby activities across clubs and schools, from minis to adult rugby, must now cease.

Impact on fixtures of note

We will work with clubs and schools to rearrange fixtures, such as the age-grade club and schools cup finals.

Clubhouse Operations

While rugby clubs may wish to continue to operate facilities such as bars and function rooms they must observe government restrictions in relation to the number of people that may attend indoor (no more than 100 people) and outdoor (no more than 500 people) events.

Professional Game

The current Guinness PRO14 season has been suspended in response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak.

The PRO14 is an international league. Cross border travel is inevitable and that brings with it unique challenges. With governments in Italy and Ireland already putting in place clear directives and restrictions around public activities and travel, the decision to suspend the competition is appropriate. It is in the best interests of everyone that games are not played at this time. The suspension has been directed by the board of Celtic Rugby DAC and will be remain under constant review.

David Jordan, Tournament Director PRO14 Rugby, said: “We have made this decision with everyone’s welfare foremost in our minds. With an evolving situation in the five countries that take part in Guinness PRO14 it is important to make a clear decision that is in keeping with the advice of the various governments involved.”

Resumption of the 2019/20 season will now become a matter of constant review. To this point PRO14 Rugby has ensured that it has the latest information and guidance made available by the local and national authorities via our participating unions in the UK, Ireland, Italy and South Africa.

This will remain the case for the duration of the suspension. This is an unprecedented action for the tournament and as such no end date to the suspension can be provided at this time.

In keeping with our practice during the outbreak, PRO14 Rugby will provide updates on the suspension when more information is available.

Statement taken from Munster Rugby

In keeping with the Government recommendations and the directive from the Munster Branch all rugby activities in Old Christians will be suspended until the 29th of March, No Training, No matches. Apologies for any inconvenience caused we will reschedule fixtures as soon as we can and be back training when its safe to do so. Keep an eye on our social media for the latest news.