Roundhegians

RFU STATEMENT ON START OF THE COMPETITIVE COMMUNITY RUGBY SEASON 

After careful consideration and extensive consultation with clubs across England, we have decided to delay the start of the competitive community game season until the week commencing Monday 21 September. We appreciate this will be disappointing news to clubs, players and volunteers who have been getting ready for and looking forward to the new season but there are a range of factors we’ve considered carefully before making this decision.

Executive summary - what this means for rugby

• National League Rugby (NLR) can make a decision subject to RFU oversight on RFU Men’s League matches at National League 1 & 2 to take place before 21 September.

• No competitive matches in RFU Men’s leagues at Regional 1 and below or RFU Women’s Leagues below PWR level will take place before 21 September.

• Merit leagues are governed by Constituent Bodies (CB). Fixtures due to take place before 21 September are subject to any CB decision, considering any RFU guidance at the time.

• Age grade matches in RFU competitions due to take place before 21 September have been postponed with details below of alternative dates.

• Friendly matches, where possible due to local conditions, player readiness and safety, may go ahead in order to help prepare players for the competitive season.

• Training can continue but it is important pitch safety is assessed before every session and RFU guidance is followed on modifying contact activity on hard grounds.

• All rugby activity, including that taking place outside of RFU league matches is subject to continual review and the RFU expects to issue further guidance to clubs, CBs, schools, colleges and universities in the coming weeks or when new information is available.

FOR FULL DETAILS GO TO RFU ARTICLE HERE