Business as usual at Kirkcaldy Rugby Club

Kirkcaldy's board say they will work hard to keep the club running despite having nor rugby to play (Pic: Michael Booth)

An initial October 31 date for play to resume had been pushed back until January, but Scottish Rugby has now decided to scrap all fixtures until the end of the season.

Club secretary Derek Harper says tha t leaves a “huge void” in the lives of all those connected with the Balwearie Road outfit.

"When the date got pushed back to January, the warning signs were there, so when this decision came through, I really wasn’t surprised,” he said.

"I’m devastated. For most of us at the club, the winter is all about rugby. There will be a huge void without it there.”

Mr Harper says that despite his disappointment, he agrees with the Scottish Rugby Union’s decision.

"It’s perfectly understandable,” he said. “It’s a contact sport, as well as having all the problems with spectators.

"You have to look at the bigger picture, and public safety is paramount.”

Despite there being no action on the pitch, Mr Harper is keen to stress that the club is still very much active.

“We’re not just going to bolt the doors and walk away,” he said.

"The board are running the club as normal. It’s very difficult for the club, but there are finances that are ongoing and we have to keep the place running, ready for reopening.”

Mr Harper says he has huge sympathy for the players, from youths through to the first team, but says training will continue.

“I feel heart sorry for them all. I mean, you train for one reason and that’s to play,” he said.

"When your Saturday afternoons are taken away from you, training can become extremely boring, so we will will have to use our imagination to try and keep them interested and engaged.

"To be fair, their attitude has been very good, but even for the most dedicated, it’s a tough shift when you know you’ve no rugby.”

The board is now planning a number of activities over Christmas as well as pursuing revenue streams.

"The club is not closed for business,” he said. "We can’t play competitive rugby but we’ll be trying our damnedest to keep things as normal as possible.”