In a statement this afternoon the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) canceled the 2020 Men’s 7s National Championship, along with other championship events, due to the ongoing health concerns over COVID-19. With playing bans now expected to last into mid-April, there was not going to be enough time to hold all of the qualifying events to fill out the playing field.
The Clayton Rugby Football Club is disappointed to hear the news as plans were well into motion to host the event Memorial Day weekend, but the club fully supports the decision made by NSCRO.
“We are certainly disappointed to hear the news, but we absolutely agree with the decision,” added Clayton RFC President Ted Hardy. “The safety and health of players, coaches, fans, and our community is far more important than the event. We were thrilled to be selected as hosts for the event. It has been a pleasure working with NSCRO and we hope to take another stab at hosting the tournament next year.”
The NSCRO Men’s 7s National Championship was scheduled to be played May 23-24, 2020 at East Clayton Community Park. The event was set to bring in the Top 16 NSCRO Men’s 7s teams from across the nation. The Clayton RFC plans to pursue the event again in 2021.
With the remainder of the club’s 2019/2020 XVs playing season canceled along with the NSCRO event, sights now turn to the 2020 CottonTown 7s Rugby Festival. The club expects the playing ban to be lifted well in advance of the time of the tournament in mid-July.
