Yorkshire Rugby at 150
With huge stretches of beautiful countryside Yorkshire has often been called ‘God’s own county.’
It is also one of the earliest to have played rugby and, although not able to summon a deity, they recently received a visit from RFU President, Jeff Blackett.
Jeff was taking time out of his final duties as the Judge Advocate General, sitting in Catterick Court Martial centre, to visit Ripon RFC in Yorkshire and, with this being both Yorkshire RFU and the RFU’s 150th anniversary, to present some Yorkshire celebratory gifts to some of the county’s clubs.
Welcomed by Yorkshire RFU President, Dawn Rathmell, Jeff presented anniversary pitch-side branded barriers and met club representatives.
He said: “Both Yorkshire and the RFU’s 150th celebrations are inevitably being impacted by the pandemic but with clubs and volunteers working hard to stay viable, while keeping everyone safe, I wanted to recognise both the Yorkshire anniversary and their continuing efforts in their communities.”
Dawn Rathmell added: “A visit from the President was most welcome at a challenging time for the sport. We had eight clubs there on the night and some county officials and all were delighted to share a lighter moment. Ripon provided excellent covid-safe hospitality.
“Some of our clubs have had big challenges with weather, floods and then coronavirus and it has been amazing to see how they have rallied and stayed together and positive through recent times.
"Clubs are very much at the heart of their communities and all the more important in times of difficulty. We are grateful to all of our volunteers who continue to do all they can for everyone both within the game and their neighbourhoods.”
