Following the latest government roadmap out of lockdown and a recent RFU update regarding how grassroots clubs can return to rugby, the senior squad and all age groups at Heath will be returning to the pitch as soon as possible after Monday 29 March.

Senior squad training will return from Tuesday 30 March with all age groups back at rugby from Easter Sunday 4 April. There will also be mid-week strength and conditioning training for junior age groups as well as friendly matches with local clubs if possible in May as the Club looks to extend the season and provide as much rugby as possible during the final months of this disrupted rugby year. During lockdown the Club has received many more enquiries than usual from young players keen to join the Club as soon as possible and is committed to welcoming new players of all ages and abilities at any time. Saturday morning touch for all abilities will also resume - for more information on rugby at Heath contact rugby@hhrfc.co.uk.

The pitches at Whitemans Green have been receiving attention during lockdown and, imminent weather systems notwithstanding, they are in excellent condition with the Verti-drainer purchased second-hand by the Club using funds raised by the HHRFC Lotto last year really coming into its own. In addition to rugby on the pitch through until the end of May, the Club is hoping to hold celebratory events for all minis and juniors in July, once social distancing restrictions have been lifted and full mixing of households is permitted.

Commenting on the latest developments, Mark Newey, HHRFC Chair said “We are all delighted that it is almost time for rugby to return safely for our many senior and youth players.

Heath is a real community club and I know our many supporters as well as our players have missed the camaraderie of rugby this season. We can’t wait to see everyone again, as soon as it is safe to do so, and I look forward to welcoming members new and old back at the Club.”

With plans for the new HHRFC Clubhouse at Whitemans Green progressing despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the momentum created through the Club’s many fund raising initiatives has been disrupted but not diminished. It is hoped that once rugby returns at the end of this month, the Clubhouse Project supported by its main club sponsor Fairfax, as well as local engineering company Adelphi, will be able to move forward, bridge the remaining funding gap and deliver a state of the art multi sports pavilion – a facility that will be needed more than ever to support the physical and mental wellbeing of adults and children in the area in post pandemic Mid Sussex.