Howe of Fife say outbreak puts sport into perspective

The Howe have had their season brought to an end. Pic by Chris Reekie.

With countless promotion, title winning, relegation and cup issues yet to be settled, Scottish Rugby this week made the decision to bring proceedings to a halt.

The decision wasn’t taken by only Scottish Rugby, though, with member clubs consulted on what options were available.

In the end around half of the clubs involved decided this course of action was the best.

The Howe of Fife were amongst those with plenty still to play for, but the Duffus Park club says that, in the difficult climate we’re now enduring, sport needed to be realistic.

Chris Reekie, president of the Howe, said: “We have to be pragmatic under the threat the world has been exposed to.

“It puts sport in perspective.

“The club would have looked forward to a cup semi-final and pressuring the top sides in the promotion tussle.

“The season has been influential in developing a young side, gain experience, an understanding and respect for each other.

“A very positive position to start from whenever we return to some form of normality. Currently the players have made themselves available to help our members and others in the community who may need support.”

The Howe were sitting fourth in the Tennent’s National League Division Three before the sport was brought to a halt due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Five possible scenarios were presented, with around half of clubs favouring the null and void option. The remaining clubs were split between the other four options. The second most favoured option - finishing the season based on the league positions at the time of shutdown - received the support of around a quarter of clubs.

Scottish Rugby president Dee Bradbury said: “We fully accept some clubs will be disappointed with this decision and share their frustration that, for wider societal reasons beyond our control, their hard work to push for success this season hasn’t yielded the rewards they deserve.”