Return to community rugby roadmap
The RFU can confirm that the game is now at Phase C of the Return to Rugby Roadmap, following approval from the government.
This means the rugby community is now able to recommence some larger group rugby activity, initially non-contact, subject to adherence with RFU guidance.
Clubs must also continue to follow government Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines along with any local government lockdown restrictions that may be implemented.
The return will initially be through non-contact rugby focused on Ready4Rugby, a non-contact game, enabling two teams of up to 10 players to engage in match activity.
Other Touch Rugby activity (including O2 Touch centres) is able to recommence. Touch Rugby is played by two teams of 6 players with a match official with a duration of 2 x 20- minutes halves. The aim is to ground the ball on or over the opposition try line. Each team gets 6 touches to attempt to score.
Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to secure the green light to recommence some rugby activity. Ready4Rugby provides a great opportunity for our community clubs to recommence training with larger group sizes and begin to reintroduce matches. We thank DCMS, PHE and Sport England for their support over the last few months to help get us to this position.”
Adapted community competition plans for adult and age grade rugby in the 2020/21 season have been published. There are a range of competition models that can be applied at different season start dates within the three windows, as and when it is deemed safe to return to play, i.e. when we reach Stage F on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap.
More detailed support guidance for clubs, coaches, players and parents can be found here.
