The Covid 19 pandemic has affected all our lives, not just from a sporting perspective.

A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes at Nenagh Ormond R.F.C. to prepare the club for a return to rugby.

A Safety Committee was set up comprising of Louis Manley, Eoin O'Callaghan, Tony Wells and Eithne Darcy. Munster Rugby and the I.R.F.U. have offered great support throughout with zoom meetings, podcasts and regular access to a designated contact in Munster with any queries.

The club is following closely the I.R.F.U. Return to Rugby Guidelines for Clubs document which is a comprehensive document detailing the different stages to be followed from planning right through to competitive rugby.

The first stage (Planning Stage) involved the completion of a Risk Assessment and an update of the club Safety Statement to include measures around preventing the spread of Covid 19.

Covid 19 signs and hand sanitiser stations were put up around the club.

A series of briefings were held with the Senior team management and players as well as the under 18 management and players to outline the proper procedures around social distancing, coughing etiquette and sanitisation of hands and surfaces. It was outlined to everyone that they have a duty of care to their fellow club members to abide by the rules in relation to Covid 19 prevention.

A player health declaration form was designed in electronic format and must be completed by all players prior to attendance at training.

The under 18’s were the first team onto the field for training and were used as the test model for our procedures.

The girls teams are due back on the field this week, with the under 15 and 16 boys due back next week.

We hope to be in a position to open the club gym and the field in Tyone this week also.