The potential is there for the start of the Upper Mid North Coast rugby union to start and the Kempsey Cannonballs are prepared to hit the ground running.
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As per plans set by Rugby NSW and Australia, training can commence on June 29 with the competition to be underway from July 18 with the grand final scheduled for October 25.
Our sponsors have already come on board for this season, they've already paid their sponsorship and we want them to get as much out of the season for what they've put into it
- Brad Taylor
Those dates however are not set in stone with Cannonballs secretary Brad Taylor acknowledging circumstances could change along with the requirement of government approval.
"It only takes one or two coronavirus cases in a certain community for things to blow up again and we're all just playing a waiting game at the moment to see what will happen," Taylor said.
"The Mid North Coast rugby and all clubs have been working together on a draw to assess how the competition would be played as social distancing laws wouldn't permit an audience at our games.
"This would mean that volunteers would have to help set up and then leave, which makes running games in that environment difficult.
"In saying that, we would be happy for the season to commence as long as safety requirements are met to protect all participants."
Despite the caution, the Cannonballs are more than prepared for the season to go ahead with sponsors generously supporting the club even with current shutdowns and restrictions to local businesses.
"Our sponsors have already come on board for this season, they've already paid their sponsorship and we want them to get as much out of the season for what they've put into it," he said.
"The money they've provided was put towards jerseys and other costs that were bought before the season was suspended.
"Obviously if the season doesn't restart we'd have to re-assess and find ways to support those businesses that have supported us."
Numbers were also looking strong before the coronavirus crisis suspended the season.
Taylor explained that the club were looking to field two senior men's teams, a women's side and teams throughout the junior grades.
"Our juniors were looking fantastic, we've got more and more kids from the region coming to the sport whilst our women's team was looking good with a lot of new players coming on board," Taylor said.
"Our senior registrations were looking strong and we had a Scottish import come on board before he had to return home because of the virus.
"He looked really strong in trial matches so hopefully there's an opportunity for him to return whether that be this season or in the future."
Whilst the proposed return of rugby union to the Upper Mid North Coast is positive, Taylor admits that there are obstacles that face the competitions structure.
The 2019/20 cricket season was ended abruptly before finals could be played and there is a strong possibility that sports could clash if the rugby union season was to commence.
"If we play into October, the cricket season may be impacted and with an array of players involved in multiple codes it will certainly make it interesting," he explained.
"It would be difficult for people to choose between both and unfair to ask juniors to pick between the two so hopefully something can be worked out."
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Lachlan Harper
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
