As many of you will have seen, EFT has announced that the 2020 European Championships and 2020 Junior Touch Championships have been cancelled.

The Euros will now be held next year, while the JTCs will resume in 2022 following the Youth World Cup next year.

The STA fully supports EFT’s decision, which has been made with the aim of prioritising the safety and well-being of all participants, volunteers and communities.

We know that this is very disappointing for all our players, coaches and volunteers who have already put in a lot of hard work, enthusiasm and commitment in preparing for this year’s tournaments. However, these events need to be seen in the wider context of a world dealing with extraordinary circumstances.

Players have already made financial commitments to participating in the Euros. We are working through the costs incurred to date and will be in touch with players shortly to clarify their individual situations. Please bear with us as we calculate these.

The National Squad Committee (NSC) and coaches will also sort out the arrangements for selection and squad preparations for the 2021 tournament. We will update you in due course about this. However, please remember that the NSC and coaches are all volunteers who have families and jobs to focus on in these difficult times. We thank you for your patience and understanding with these issues.

If national squad players have questions, please contact your coach or the National Squad Committee.

Thank you again and stay safe.