WELLINGTON Rugby Club’s president Matt Colman has confirmed that the big Boxing Day derby against Wiveliscombe will not be played this year.

“There is absolutely no way it will go ahead,” said Colman, who made more than 500 first team appearances for the club and had two spells as captain. “The bottom line is that competitive rugby has been suspended or cancelled. There will be no league games this season, although we may be able to play against local clubs, and we hope against Wiveliscombe, some time later this season.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed the Boxing Day clash is off because it is a big game for both sides. It is very lucrative for the home club with gates of anything up to 1,000.”

The fixture is played annually with Wellington due to stage this year’s game at the Athletic Ground with a match between the club’s two 2nd XVs played in the morning.

“Covid-19 and lockdowns has meant our clubhouse has not been open for some months but we will try to open again as soon as we can at weekends for the showing of internationals and the Premiership,” he added. “We will give plenty of notice when we re-open.

“Obviously it is not an ideal situation but we are comfortable with our financial position. We have a strong management committee.

“We are clear that our priority is to keep our players, members and supporters safe. Ultimately we must follow government guidelines.”

“All this is a great pity when you think we were looking forward to playing in South West One (W) and coming up against sides like Bridgwater & Albion, North Petherton, Sidmouth and Crediton. Our home gates were good last season and we would have expected them to be even better this winter.

“I am delighted that all senior and junior players are training as best they can. We are just hoping that we will play some kind of rugby before the season ends.”