Training will return when we know more

Hamilton Rugby Club say there’s no point in returning to training until Phase 3 of lockdown restrictions are eased.

Outdoor training restrictions are eased slightly from Monday, but head coach Alex Edmondstone says it’s still limited groups operating distantly and they have no idea when the season might start anyway.

Alex said:“we don’t really know any dates so we are trying to plan for all circumstances.

“It’s still restricted to a maximum of eight people. At the moment we’re waiting to see what Phase 3 is, to be honest.

“I’ve spoken to some of our management team and we said‘do we want to bring people back for groups of eight for training, when it could be months before the season starts?’– we still don’t know and so we’re looking for a bit of clarity.

“The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have produced what 3 and 4 looks like, so I’m hoping Scottish Rugby can give us something, even if it’s not set in stone; just a bit of guidance of what things might look like in Phase 3, so fingers crossed that will come out soon.”

Alex added:“i’m looking forward to getting the players together again, but there will be restrictions for hygiene and we might not be able to use the changing rooms and things like that.

“But just getting more than eight players back together will be good for their own wellbeing and just for the sake of them getting a bit of exercise.

“Hopefully we can then move on to being able to take part in contact, which in our view will be much later.”

Edmondstone was pleased that the

Bulls didn’t apply for the Club Hardship Fund cash from Scottish Rugby.

He said:“i spoke before about clubs living within their means and Hamilton have done a really good job with regards to following governing guidelines, but also making sure that we’re not paying any undue costs.

“I think the club were of the opinion that there was nothing in the Club Hardship Fund that we needed money for.

“That’s a good position to be in, and it’s where we want to be.”