Stamford Rugby Club launches fundraising campaign due to coronavirus pandemic

Stamford Rugby Club have set up a fundraising appeal to cover lost income following the coronavirus pandemic.

The Midlands 3 East (South) champions have set a fundraising target of £5,000 due to an expected increase in expense to ensure a safe playing return for its members.

The appeal has been organised by Ross Thain who feels the current suspension of the sport is having a huge impact on the finances of the Hambleton Road club.

Thain explained: “Stamford Rugby is committed to its members and the game of rugby.

“As such, we want to do all we can to enable players to get back to playing rugby and members getting pleasure from the game as soon as possible.

“However, due to the current situation with coronavirus, the income of the club has been diminished and additional costs are being incurred.

“We are also acutely aware that many of our members will be suffering financially as a consequence of the loss of income and even unemployment.

“So, to help the club and its members through this period, we are looking for financial support which will enable us purchase the necessary extra equipment and subsidise membership fees for next year.

“We are anticipating our income from membership diminishing by about 20 per cent as a consequence of hardship and the costs of ensuring the safe participation in the sport to increase by about £2,000.

“Therefore we are setting a target of £5000 to support the rugby community in Stamford.”

Anyone wishing to donate can visit the funding page.

Stamford will be playing in Midlands 2 East (South) next season after securing promotion last term.

Despite the Covid-19 outbreak curtailing their campaign, the Rugby Football Union elected to use a points-per-game strategy to decide on the promotion and relegation issues which saw Stamford go up as champions along with runners-up Oakham.

The sport’s governing body released a roadmap on their plans for a return to action last week.

League seasons generally begin in early September and alternative dates for re-commencing the sport have been identified as the end of October or the beginning of November.

The RFU may also consider temporary law amendments to the game, as a way to enable some activity if the game’s return is delayed.

It’s previously been suggested that the game could be played with no scrums, tackles or mauling, with shorter matches.