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ULSTER Rugby has cancelled domestic clubs remaining league fixtures in 2020, declaring the 2020-21 season null and void.
The branch released a statement on Friday confirming that there would be neither promotion nor relegation this season, which has been scrubbed, and they are planning to start a new campaign, which will run from January 2021 to May 22nd.
That means Strabane RFC’s, Clogher Valley RFC’s teams and Omagh Accies’ sides below the firsts will all have to start from scratch in the new year with a new campaign on the horizon.
The Thomas Mellon Playing FIelds’ outfit’s first team are unaffected by the announcement, as their Energia Community Series campaign will resume as and when it is safe to do so.
The Ulster Rugby statement in full, read as follows: “As a result of the continued impact of COVID-19 on domestic rugby in the province, Ulster Rugby has today confirmed the current men’s and women’s adult season plan and competitive league structure for club rugby in Ulster is declared null and void, with promotion and relegation now cancelled for the 2020-21 season.”
Ulster Rugby had initially suspended all rugby activity below ‘elite’ level from 6pm on October 16th for a four week period.
That suspension was in line with the Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the Northern Ireland Executive and was to have come to an end on Friday.
Unfortunately rugby action will not now recommence immediately but the powers that be are hopeful that a season of some kind can be played out during the first half of 2021.
FULL STORY IN LAST THURSDAY’S STRABANE CHRONICLE
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