Hong Kong mini rugby chief confident of ‘safe’ and ‘robust’ restart as Covid-19 restrictions ease
- The minis contingent is adhering to HKRU’s ‘Return to Play’ programme in tandem with updated government guidelines
- ‘If things progress, we’ve got a festival at the end of November and I think that’s a reasonable target,’ says Olly Stratton
The HKRU has rolled out its “Return to Play” programme – a four-week plan outlining different hygiene and safety protocols – that applies to the seniors all the way down to the vital grass roots.
Hong Kong Mini Rugby Football Union chairman Olly Stratton remains optimistic its 21 clubs and more than 5,000 registered players will get their long-awaited return to the field if government guidelines are adhered to. Training is in partial swing as there are still limits on the maximum number of people allowed at any given time. All previous community courses scheduled throughout the summer were cancelled.
“There’s nothing worse than waiting and waiting, and thinking things are going to restart, then everything’s shut down [again],” said Stratton, who is approaching his fourth season in charge.
“It’s very exciting to see kids on the pitch – slightly different from what we’d see under normal circumstances. What we’re seeing is a maximum of 33 at one time. What is great is seeing the energy of the kids, parents and the community. Everyone looks forward to Sundays,” Stratton said.