News
UPDATE – Club statement regarding temporary suspension of activities
UPDATE: Thursday 19th March, 12:30
Canterbury Rugby Football Club continues to monitor the evolving meningitis situation in the local area.
Following further careful consideration, and continued consultation with UK Health Security Agency, Meningitis Now, the Rugby Football Union, Kent County RFU, and the Meningitis Research Foundation, the club has taken the decision to suspend all rugby activity this weekend.
This includes all Mini, Youth, Colts, and Senior rugby, as well as all planned social events and clubhouse gatherings.
While previous guidance indicated that activity could continue, the situation locally is evolving. Based on our assessment on the ground, in light of newly reported cases, and following confirmation that Oxford Harlequins will not travel this weekend, we believe the most responsible course of action as a community club is to pause all activity at this time.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of our players, volunteers, members, and the wider community must always come first. This decision has not been taken lightly, but reflects our duty of care to everyone connected to the Black and Amber family.
We recognise the disappointment this will cause, particularly to those who had been looking forward to taking part this weekend. We thank everyone for their understanding, patience, and continued support.
We will continue to monitor guidance closely and remain in regular contact with the relevant health authorities and governing bodies. This position will be reviewed after the weekend, and a further update will be provided as soon as possible.
In the meantime, we encourage all members to remain vigilant, to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis, and to seek medical advice promptly if they have any concerns.
For reliable information and guidance, please visit:
• UK Health Security Agency
• Meningitis Now
• Meningitis Research Foundation
Thank you for helping us look after the health of our entire rugby family.
UPDATE: Tuesday 17 March, 14:00
Following our earlier communication, and as we continue to monitor the situation closely, all Mini, Youth, Colts training sessions, home and away weekend fixtures are cancelled.
A decision regarding Senior Men’s rugby this weekend will be made on Thursday, as previously planned.
We will continue to review all guidance and keep members updated as soon as further information becomes available.
Tuesday 17 March, 06:59
Canterbury Rugby Football Club is aware of the recent meningitis concerns reported in the Canterbury area and the understandable concern this may cause within our rugby community. You may have heard the very sad news that two students have died with suspected meningococcal disease, which can cause both meningitis and septicaemia. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those students and to the others who are in hospital.
Following careful consideration, and in the interests of the safety and wellbeing of all players, volunteers, and families, the club has taken the precautionary decision to temporarily suspend all YOUTH training sessions until the weekend. SENIOR training will resume on Thursday.
This pause will allow us to receive updated guidance from relevant public health authorities and be confident that it is appropriate for activities to resume.
We appreciate that rugby is an important part of life for many in our Black and Amber family, but the health and welfare of our members must always come first. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation while this precautionary step is in place.
In the meantime, we encourage all members and parents to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to seek medical advice promptly if they have any concerns.
Common symptoms can include:
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusual drowsiness or confusion
- A rash that does not fade under pressure
Symptoms in babies and young children may present differently.
If you or your child feels unwell and you are concerned, please seek medical advice immediately by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.
For reliable information and guidance, please visit:
- NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ - Meningitis Now
https://www.meningitisnow.org/ - UK Health Security Agency
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
If any player or family within the club receives medical advice that may affect participation in club activities, please inform your team manager or section lead so we can support the wider club community appropriately.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to members as soon as further information becomes available.
Thank you for helping us look after the health of our entire rugby family.