RUGBY matches across the county have been postponed tomorrow due to the weather forecast of high winds and heavy rain.
The North Midlands RFU have made the decision to cancel all scheduled fixtures over the weekend.
Luctonians’ trip to Otley has also been postponed until next Saturday (February 22).
The Met Office has issued an ‘amber’ weather warning for heavy rain across Herefordshire on Saturday and Sunday with flooding possible.
Football matches are still scheduled to go ahead across the county but many pitches will face pitch inspections.
The Muddy 6 running race which was due to welcome 362 runners to Haugh Woods on Sunday has also been postponed for the first time in 24 years.
A statement from the event organiser said: “This weekend Storm Dennis is due to hit our region, bringing with it two yellow weather warnings for wind and rain.
“This means gale force gusting winds of up to 50mph and heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday.
“With the combined risk of falling woodland debris, volunteer marshals being exposed for three hours plus and no cover for participants, we felt that the risk was too high for the event to take place this weekend as we have a duty of care for all runners and marshals.
“The Forestry Commission is working closely with us and we take their advice seriously. “They have already advised that the woods will be closed for public access on Saturday making course set up impossible.
“Obviously the forecast could change between now and Sunday, but we have left it as late as we could so to keep our stakeholders, runners, and volunteers marshals informed. We didn’t take this decision lightly.
“We’ve decided to postpone rather than cancel and will confirm a new date as soon as possible. We need time to consult with the Forestry Commission, land owners, friends in local running clubs and our licensing authority.
“As soon as we announce the new date we will also offer a refund to those who can’t make it. Full details on the refund process will be announced in conjunction with the new date.”
Paul Kaminski, of the North Midlands RFU said: “I have checked the local weather forecasts for this coming Saturday (February 15) in all four corners of the Midlands (Scunthorpe, Luton, Malvern and Whitchurch).
“It is apparent that, across the length and breadth of the Midlands, playing and travel will be problematic, if not dangerous on Saturday.
“Wind speeds of up to 60mph and general heavy rain are the order of the afternoon.
“Gusts of wind may be even greater. It is therefore necessary, for the sake of all participants, to advise the postponement of all league matches within the Midlands.
“The only exceptions to this would be where clubs in any league match, believe that locally conditions will allow both travel and play to take place safely for players officials and spectators.
“My view (as of 8.30pm on Thursday) is that this is most unlikely. It is possible that, where circumstances allow and clubs mutually agree, some matches could be played on Friday evening.
“This is to be encouraged. With regard to Sunday, this looks to be no improvement upon Saturday.
“League Secretaries are asked to contact all their clubs ASAP in order to update them and re-arrange postponed fixtures for the next available Saturday.
“Please also advise clubs to inform referees and other match officials.”
