As restrictions re-tighten and the weather turns colder and wetter, the days of pints outside the clubhouse at Streatham-Croydon RFC are on hold for the time being. However, acknowledging the importance of sports on mental health, outdoor team training continues, writes Millie Ross.

While the Rugby Football Union has said there will certainly not be any full rugby matches until January at the earliest, rugby is now at stage ‘D’ on the return to rugby roadmap, with ‘F’ being return to full contact match play.

D means ‘adapted contact training and non-contact fixtures’. SCRFC began this with a club-wide mixed touch rugby tournament in early October, and are beginning to schedule “Ready 4 Rugby” fixtures.

The ladies will play against Barnes Ladies on October 29 and join a tournament at Earlsfield RFC on October 31 against the newly formed ‘Bec Belles’.

The men’s training numbers are very high and growing, and both teams have welcomed many new players during this period.

The lack of contact games means that there is an opportunity to bring in people who are new to the sport and develop skills gradually. With team sports being a rare opportunity to safely socialise, do get in touch if you’re interested in joining!

The juniors and minis have also had good numbers at training, and have had a resurgence of girls joining the newly reformed Junior Girls team.

With many players in years 8 to 10, it is a great opportunity for girls to develop their confidence whilst getting some fresh air and exercise on a Sunday morning.

The first training session back after half term is 10am to mid-day on November 1.

You can find out details about joining on our website.