Local rugby clubs are keen to get back out on the field for their 2020 season

Hawkesbury Agricultural College Rugby Club (HAC) and Hawkesbury Valley Rugby Club will both be returning for a shortened seven round season (with an additional two weeks of finals), that will see all teams play each other once.

The two clubs are excited to make a return to the pitch and are treating the year like a full season.

"It's going to be an enjoyable and hopefully injury free season," said HAC First Grade coach, Aaron Mattin. "It should be interesting to see where we are at after having a preseason, then the break due to COVID, and now back for a shortened preseason and into games."

"I think every game will be as competitive as it can be as most teams will want to win at least four of the seven games."

Valley Secretary and Subbies Delegate Steve Harkins thinks it is great that rugby is finally coming back.

"It'll be good to get out on the park again," he said. "We will be treating it as a full season so we have to hit the ground running.

"Numbers are good. They've looked really promising, we're very positive and looking forward to the season."

Aaron said he is also seeing quite promising numbers at HAC.

"We're getting back to the numbers that we had," he said. "It has been quite a young turn out so far and it'll be nice to get some old heads but I can't see why we can't be competitive in all three grades and colts."

Like most seasons, both clubs are looking forward to the local derby, which will be on Saturday, August 8 this year.

"We're very much looking forward to it," said Steve. "It's always a good day playing against HAC.

"There is always good banter and it's great to share a beer afterwards. It's all a bit of fun at the end of the day."

Aaron agrees that the local rivalry is fun and added that it is always competitive when on the field.

"It's great fun and every year it's a competitive round but we're definitely looking forward to it."

HAC play their only trial match this Saturday, July 11 away at Blacktown. Their season kicks off the following week, July 18, at Colonial Reserve, Bligh Park where they will face Briars.

Valley will hold a inter-club training this Saturday before their Colts play a trial match against Hills Rugby at McQuade Oval, Windsor at 3pm. Their season will begin with an away match against Beecroft on July 18.