As this challenging year draws to a close, we wish all our friends and supporters all the joy of the festive season. Whilst we are aware that many will be missing loved ones at what is usually a time of togetherness and happiness, we hope you will all take a moment to celebrate the fellowship of rugby and the bonds of the Wharfedale community.

Despite the difficulties of the past year, the club remains strong and healthy. We offer particular thanks to our sponsors, Cavalry Club and loyal members who have continued to support the club financially despite the absence …

Following Saturday’s government announcement and the worsening public health conditions with significantly increased infection risk, we are sorry to announce that the much anticipated return to rugby Boxing Day fixture against North Ribblesdale has been cancelled.

Membership secretary Stuart Willis will be in touch with all who have bought tickets in order to arrange refunds.

Thank you.

Robert Fort, Chairman, Wharfedale RUFC…

We are pleased to confirm that Wharfedale’s traditional friendly Boxing Day fixture against North Ribblesdale will take place at The Avenue on 26th December 2020, kick off at 2pm.

Obviously, due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation the rugby will be different from what you might expect – there will be no scrums or mauls – and the considerable Government restrictions mean that entry will only be by pre-booked ticket to a strictly limited number of 400 supporters. But regardless of these limitations, the main thing is that for the first time since March, there will be competitive rugby played at …

It is very likely that not many of us will look back over the year 2020 with any great fondness. So here is a glimpse of the future instead. Once again the Minis and Juniors gave a helping hand with the 200 Club draw.

Oscar, Theo and Hugo pulled out the numbers whilst looking on is an older chap who is now the Wharfedale Director of Rugby and also played a bit of rugby at The Avenue. If these three young men go on to emulate Rob’s achievements playing in a green jersey, we fans will all be very happy …

As we boldly continue our journey into the unknown, the RFU has announced government agreement for the community game to jump from Stage A to Stage E on the “Return to Rugby” roadmap. This means that, from Wednesday 2 December, all parts of the community game are able to move to “adapted contact” training with friendly 15-a-side inter-club matches to be permitted under adapted Laws from 18 December, in advance of the start of some form of 15-a-side structured rugby – again under adapted Laws – in the New Year.

The temporary Law changes that underpin the return to 15-a-side …

We bring the sad news that Peter (“Salty”) Hodge passed away on Tuesday morning in Manorlands after a short illness. A quiet, unassuming, man, Peter was happier in the background but many people at Wharfedale will have played in the lower teams under his management and he will be greatly missed. Mick Greenwood recalls that Salty assisted David Paling with the 4th and 5th teams and took over management of the 5th team after David retired. His duties involved selection and contacting players (as always a thankless and time-consuming task), running touch and, most importantly, baby-sitting Mick’s three children and …