Bedwas RFC Prepares for the Prospective 2020/21 Season

 

2020 has been a year unlike any other for Bedwas RFC. Storm Dennis brought huge damage and disruption to the club, but the response of the community helped us back to our feet, only to encounter the global Coronavirus pandemic!

 Since the lockdown began, things have been relatively quiet at Bedwas RFC. Thanks to the continued hard work of volunteers, work on the post-flood repairs and renovation has continued. Hundreds of hours of work have been donated and the club has been well supported by the contractors it has had working on site as well.

 Will Rees, Bedwas RFC Director said: “It has been quite an unbelievable year for Bedwas rugby club. Just when we thought we were over the hump from the flooding we became swept up in the COVID-19 pandemic!

 “We have made good use of the time and space that lockdown has afforded us over the last few weeks. Our hardworking volunteers have been able to work safely down the club to help with repairs and renovations and we are very grateful to them and the donors who helped make this possible.

 “When we are finally able to open the club again, subject to Welsh Government regulations, we will have a wonderful facility for the community to enjoy once again. This will hopefully also be in addition to a new rugby season in the not too distant future.”

 A return for grassroots rugby is something that we are all hoping for, but it seems a little way off at this point. Nevertheless, the Bedwas RFC senior XV management team have been hard at work on recruiting and re-signing players for a prospective new season.

 Reflecting on the events and conclusion of the 2019/20 season, Head Coach, Stefan Sankala said: “2020 was one of the strangest and most humbling ends to a rugby season we’ve seen. The frustration and trauma caused by the floods both on and off the field was clear but to then be involved in this pandemic is surreal and of course goes beyond sport.

 “In quick reflection, I am extremely proud in the majority of our performances in the last season and I feel with a fully fit squad a few results would have gone our way. Given the time to finish the season I am certain we would have finished strongly and pushed the top sides very close.”

 Looking ahead, Sankala added: “That said, we are a close club and one where we build from within a competitive climate and that will continue. We are all itching to get back onto the field and show everyone our appreciation for the hard work going on behind the scenes.

“Here’s to a quick return and a healthy new start!”

 News about Bedwas RFC signings will be released in due course as the work to bring rugby back to Bedwas continues!