Sports closures lead to the rise in mental health illnesses

With 4 in 1 people suffering from mental health problems this year, how will the closure and lack of accessibility to sport effect peoples mental health.

The RFU (Rugby Football Union) have declared that Stage D can be implemented by clubs across the country, meaning the players are allowed "a maximum of 15 minutes of adapted contact activities within a single session..." Their website continues to outline a variety of covid-19 regulations, including "no scrum, maul opposed lineout or upright tackle training is permitted" as well as that "all players must clean and sanitise after skilled training."

Although these regulations are correctly keeping players physically safe and well explained by Harlequins' loosehead prop Joe Marler in a comedic fashion, how much has been done to support their mental health?

Sports is one of the greatest outlets for stress and anxiety and has been scientifically proven to release endorphins into the bloodstream which is a 'feel-good' hormone. But with Covid-19 preventing many people's access to sport, how are they coping?

Rugby in particular, is a sport heavily focused on the social side of life, both on and off the pitch. But as it is such a close and high contact sport, many players and supporters will not be able to play or see the sport in it's entirety until January 2021 at the earliest. This is having a huge toll on those who have and still are struggling with mental health problems, as they are unable to socialise either at the club or on the pitch, despite many clubs following procedure.

Camp Hill Rugby club are following procedures well, ensuring a one-way system is both implemented and adhered to, track and trace forms are filled out for those training and visiting, as well as ensuring customers are drinking outside with limited numbers.

Samuel Beardsmore, a player at Camp Hill RFC, said that "the contact in rugby was my main outlet for everything and not being able to play properly has caused a massive decline in my mental health." Despite the government and Rugby Football Union allowing clubs to play Touch-Rugby, a limited contact sport, the release of aggression and emotions felt in the full contact sport is not the same.