England gear up for return as IRFU wait until August

HOPES of the rugby season resuming in the coming months have been handed another boost as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have confirmed that professional players can resume training under new guidelines published by the British government yesterday.

The news comes on the back of New Zealand announcing a Super Rugby tournament, which is set to begin next month.

In England, plans are being put in place for players to carry out individual training programmes under carefully controlled medical conditions, whilst ensuring that the two-metre social distancing measures are maintained.

Training facilities will be regularly deep-cleaned, while every player and staff member will be tested for Covid-19 symptoms before they are allowed to enter the premises.

Players and staff have also been warned to ensure they understand the specific risks involved in returning before they proceed.

Team training will remain on hold for now, but this move is seen as a positive with regard to rugby getting the green light in the coming weeks.

Closer to home, the IRFU are working towards an August 10 restart with the initial plan of returning to training next week put back.

It looks increasingly likely that a behind-closed-doors interpro series will take place, and with that in mind, the IRFU will be closely monitoring the situation of other unions, including the RFU, who welcomed the step forward in the next phase of the easing of lockdown restrictions.