Throughout each season, Leicester Tigers look to bring fans an update on how our Global Partner Clubs around the world are getting on.
It is a very different update on this occasion, however, as clubs in Kuala Lumpur, India, Thailand, Belgium, Holland and Italy have all been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tigers have been in touch with each club and, while each country reacts differently to the outbreak, that community spirit – a key value of rugby - transcends across the world.
Rugby Colorno, who play their rugby in the Peroni Top12 of Italian rugby, have seen all rugby suspended following in their maiden voyage in the top flight of Italian rugby.
The women's team had secured a play-off position and their Under-16s claiming a fifth successive tournament win while the junior squads, including the Under-18 and Under-16 boys, competed in the country's Elite Championship.
Italy has become the worst-hit country in the world for Coronavirus cases and deaths, with the northern region where Colorno is based suffering huge losses.
The original Global Partner Club Kuala Lumpur Tigers kicked off the New Year with a Leicester Tigers Rugby Camp, giving young players the chance to learn from Tigers coaches.
Taking place in early January, the scale of the Cobid-19 outbreak began to be felt towards the end of the month with many tournaments and festivals in the upcoming months cancelled.
The club’s senior side had started their pre-season well with a win over KL Storm before winning their first league game against SMS Old Boys. The Under-16s and 18s were also preparing for a new season before the decision was made to postpone.
Both RC DIOK and Dendermonde RC have shut down operations for the foreseeable future with the Netherlands club sitting top of the Ereklasse league while the Belgian’s men's and women's teams occupy second place in their respective tournaments.
The Tigers' latest partner, Bangkok Lions, had planned to host their Bangkok International Rugby Tens 2020 tournament, welcoming more than 70 teams from across Asia. However, the decision was made to cancel the event with teams travelling from other countries.
Delhi Hurricanes have also been placed in a state of lockdown by their government. and the summer season will no longer go ahead.
Global Partner Clubs are an extension of the Tigers Family, ensuring that people around the world can take part and enjoy the game of rugby and its community.
They, too, have been doing their bit to share good practice and provide relief for communities as well as be there for supporters and families. From all at Leicester Tigers, thank you and stay safe.
You can follow all Tigers’ Global Partner Clubs by following their social pages @delhihurricane @Rugby_DRC @KLTigersRFC Rugby Colorno @lrcdiokrugby and @BangkokLionsYouthRugby.
