Huddersfield boss believes season will be expunged
reveals Giants were itching to set the record straight against Hull FC, their next scheduled match before the league was suspended, but is generally proud of what he and his teammates have achieved so far.
“The season has gone great, our home form hasn’t been what we would want it to be, crashing out of the cup, having a really bad defeat there and the game against Wigan, the second-half there wasn’t the way we wanted the game to go,” he said.
“But we’ve started the year really well, the first three games went exactly how we wanted them to go to be honest. Getting great results against Catalans, Salford and Hull KR, we were very happy with that and then, obviously, the massive win against St Helens.
“To go four out of five in the league, the boys were very happy with that, so we were looking forward to the rest of the season, before we got the call that the season was suspended.
“We wanted to try and get back on the horse against Hull FC but it wasn’t to be and we’ve just got to crack on now.”
HUDDERSFIELD RUFC head coach Gareth Lewis says he wouldn’t be surprised if the National II North results from this season were expunged.
On Thursday, the Football Association announced that all divisions below the National League would have their competition voided due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
The RFU have already stated that the seasons in now over for all rugby below the Gallagher Premiership.
Huddersfield, who have been battling against relegation all campaign, still had five games remaining, although had pulled away from the drop zone.
So far, there has been no indication over how final league positions will be decided, and what will happen with promotion and relegation.
And although Lewis believes the RFU could follow the FA’s plans which would seem unfair on Caldy who are 29 points clear at the top of the table - he also insists there are more important things happening in the world at the moment.
“Clearly these are unprecedented times and there are far more important things than rugby right now,” he said.
“All football in England below the three levels that make up the National League will end immediately and all results will be expunged.
“We could possibly see a similar thing happening in rugby union but I’m sure the NCA will make an announcement soon.
“At the end of the day what’s important is the health of the nation and hopefully our fantastic game can get through these testing times.”
The club have also re-iterated the RFU’s latest rules in a statement, which reads: “Rugby at all levels across the country, including training, fixtures and coaching courses have for this season been cancelled. For Huddersfield RUFC this means that all rugby from Age Grade to the senior sides is cancelled, all with immediate effect.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, this is not an easy time and we know many of you will have concerns that go beyond the game.
“The RFU are working through the implications of ending the season early and have instigated a thorough process to ensure a fair and balanced outcome for the game. The outcomes of these will hopefully be communicated by the middle of April.”
The statement goes on to say that all other sports at Lockwood Park will be suspended until an appropriate time to start once again becomes clear.
The club house and offices are all shut so anyone wishing to contact the club should do so by email.
It finishes with: “We would ask everyone, including all members and the general public, to please avoid coming to Lockwood Park during these difficult times unless told differently.
“We all have a responsibility to play our part in minimising the spread of this virus within our community so please adhere to this. Keep well and look after yourself and others.”
Hopefully our fantastic game can come through
these testing times