Training kicks up a gear as Howe edge close to a return

Howe of Fife, under SRU guidance and in line with the Scottish Government restrictions, have started touch rugby at training.

Groups of a maximum of 15 players on a half pitch can now play touch rugby after several weeks of much smaller groups training in bubbles with no contact.

Teams at the Howe can now start training in earnest in preparation for the new season’s competitive structure which is to be regionalised as much as possible, with friendlies starting at end of September and competitive rugby starting on October 31, subject to all being well and in line with restrictions that maybe in place at the time.

Head coach Gavin Emerson said: “The quick end to the season was a tough hit for us given the good bit of form we had hit, however, it allowed the players to get some much needed rest and recovery.

“The coaching team worked hard during lockdown on player retention and recruitment which has shown with the large numbers returning to training. The players also kept busy during lockdown completing the conditioning session provided by the coaches which is evident by their fitness levels on return to training.

“We have been back to training for over four weeks now and the players and coaches have returned in good spirits. The players have responded well to the new style of club training under the Covid restrictions on rugby.

“It is great to see such large numbers at training and this is making me very excited for the return of contact training and then competitive matches.

“The Howe Senior section is looking in a great position for the new season with the women’s section working hard in lockdown and the big addition of new players to training.”

Friendlies have been provisionally been arranged for the first XV and The Crusaders with Dundee High RFC and Kirkcaldy RFC’s first and second XVs in October, with the Quins also hoping to arrange friendlies.

The community cafe opened on the return to schools and the clubhouse is opening Saturday, September 5 and the club is looking at the feasibility of the gym opening soon. The club is slowly getting back to some sort of normality but aware of the issues they will have to overcome.

Players under 18 have been back training using touch for several weeks now. There is a taster sessions for children in primary 1 and 2 on August 30 and September 6 at Duffus Park at 9.30am-10.15am open to all children.

The club has also thanked all members together with new and existing sponsors who have supported the it in this uncertain time with their kind sponsorship for the coming season.

Anyone interested in a tailored sponsorship package can get further information from [email protected]