BIRMINGHAM, AL – Earlier this month, we had interviews with the Birmingham (Ala.) Vulcans and the Tampa Bay (Fla.) Krewe re how they are dealing with this pandemic. In the meantime, we reached out to two additional USA Rugby-sanctioned clubs; the Augusta (Ga.) Maddogs and Naples (Fla.) Hammerheads to discuss the #COVID-19 impact on their 2020-2021 seasons.
Maddogs Discuss How COVID Impacts Their Season
Matt Keck, club president of the Augusta Maddogs Rugby Football Club (RFC), took time to talk with RWU and discuss how COVID has impacted his team’s 2020-2021 season.
“Our team [Augusta Maddogs] shutdown like most of the country until it was deemed plausible to at least work on conditioning on an open field so we could stay distanced, but have the ability to stay fit and motivated with our team.”
“If anyone had symptoms, came in contact with someone that tested positive, or had tested positive were required to have no contact with the team for at least two weeks. We have kept logs of those at practice to help with tracing.”
“No tackling or use of equipment other than rugby balls are used in order to have the very minimum to sanitize. [We are] Looking forward to getting back to “normal”, hopefully sooner than later.”
Hammerheads’ Highlight Their COVID-Altered Season
Naples Hammerheads’ Director of Men’s Rugby Bryan Vince also took time to speak with us and outline his team’s COVID-altered seasons. The Hammerhead RFC serves as part of the Florida Rugby Union.
“This weekend, [the] Naples Hammerheads will participate in the Fort Lauderdale’s (Fla.) RFC annual Ruggerfest Tournament, which takes in Fort Lauderdale.”
“Then, next Saturday, we will host three matches with the Tampa Bay Krewe – Under-19, Division-II and Division-IV. We in particular look forward to rematch of the season opener 15-14 loss to their D-II side. Both u19 teams have started season strong as well. We are excited by great early season performances by halfback Tyler Pigott, flyhalf Steven Gibb, fullback Tory Williamson, and a Strong Pack led by Captain Tommy Doman.”
“Vince’s Hammerheads RFC hosts the annual Beerfoot Sevens Rugby Tournament at Fort Myers Beach every July. However, the pandemic has forced the team to postpone the event twice. Regarding Beerfoot.” Vince continued.
“We feel like our Beerfoot 7s event remains the ‘go to’ 7s event for all ruggers in the Southeast US. We are excited and looking forward to making it happen later this summer.”
For updates on USA Rugby South and finding ways to cope with the COVID crisis, please visit Rugby Wrap Up.
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