I would like to know how clubs that had a month break for Ramadaan faird over the weekend? We lost 22-24 after being ahead 22-0 at a stage. It looks now like our season title defence is over. I must say that I was impressed by our "second" team players though, they played well but a bit too much to ask especially after a month of no training. That said, is it halaal to train while people are in trawie at night? We were told we can't by the older generation and with Ramadaan being in the heart of rugby season over the next 5-6 years, this will affect "muslim" clubs drastically. What are your views on training in Ramadaan as the only time is while people are in trawie at night, an hour or two after you broke your fast. It was shown on saturday that you cannot fast for a month and expect a team that did not train all month to be fit and game ready as it was clear that that was the only thing lacking. Even the "christian" players looked tire as they too did not practice as teh team did not practice together... Thoughts?

Sam...I think this issue is non-negotiable. As much as we love this game, in my opinion rugby should take a back-burner over this period, unless ofcourse you as an individual is making a living out of playing, which in any case should be done under some strict guidelines.

Ramadaan after all is a time to replenish body, mind and soul. In any case I dont see how practising during the nights(in Ramadaan) are going to benefit anybody as firstly the body is re-adjusting into another phase and the mind and soul should be at a place far removed from the rugby field. So yes, the elders are imparting some wisdom there and you should listen. I agree that a team might seem "disadvantaged" playing after Ramadaan, but I am sure that can be nullified with some better planning from both Union and club alike, for instance perhaps affording a "muslim" club a period of two weeks to get up to speed again. A little bit difficult what with fast coming three-quarter way into season, but as it moves along it will become easier. Also it might just be what a particular club needs, ie with mounting injuries, re-assesment of conditioning etc...It all depends on how you look at it I suppose and more importantly where your particular club finds itself. The one thing I know that no club has ever been worse off after the Ramadaan. If anything people come back more revitalized albeit a bit off the pace initially, but more determined to do well. There are very few things people hold sacred these days and religion should be one of those few.

Shukran for your response. I got 7 replies to my inbox, all different views and opinions. Please, those of you who pm'd me, make it public as I think  it is a good debate... I like the 2-3 week first game after ramadaan. Gives time to get your body in shape at least.

Fasting,as i have stated in my pm to you,is fard upon us.FACT.Tharaweeh is sunnah.Fact.The 1st one you  get punished for as prescribed unless you are unable to do so according our deen.As we all know,you wont get punished for not performing a sunnah,but you will be even more rewarded if you do so.It is,however customary to attend tharaweeh and many see this as fard upon us.It would look ugly ja,to practice in this holy period,but there is no obligation upon brothers not to do so.Some do dicing,others smoke on corners during this period,but its all up to the individual at the end of day.These are the facts as i understand it,and if i am wrong,then i ask maaf from the bottom of my heart.

Samwell, I calculated that the Ramadaan will fall in the club rugby season for the next 15 years, are our ''Moslem Clubs'' not going to win leagues for the next 15 YEARS, sjoe!! SK Walmers played club champs and won it in the Ramadaan 2-3 years ago if im not mistaken.Excercising the body keeps the mind fit as well, I dont see anything wrong with a group of guys getting together in the Ramadaan for physical Training.We all respect our elders, but they would advise us not to go work in the Ramadaan if they could.....

kappa,  i remember that club champs. The way i remember it, is that SKW used non-muslim players and professional muslim players (Kakkerlakkie) for the tournament.

True, the professional Moslem players played during the day when they should have been fasting, we talking about training at night when we not fasting..... tricky subject either way!