Rugby’s return: How it will work
Rugby clubs across Sussex are preparing for a long-awaited return to training and playing.
With organised outdoor sport able to resume from March 29, the RFU has published a new ‘Return to Community Rugby Roadmap’. It summarises the plan for a phased return to full contact rugby.
The RFU said: “A six-stage process has been created to guide rugby coaches and players through the return process from Stage A now, to Ready4rugby, O2 Touch and limited contact training sessions at the end of March, to full contact matches anticipated in June.
“As previously confirmed, the 2020/21 league structure has been cancelled. However, as in normal years, rugby clubs will be able to host friendly fixtures in the adult game during summer months if they wish.
As long as Covid-19 infection rates are kept under control, all adult and age grade competitions are expected to start in September, as normal, under full laws.
“As of 29 March, community rugby clubs may hold contact training sessions, excluding scrums and mauls, and host Ready4rugby, O2 Touch and Tag rugby matches between clubs. This applies to adult and age grade players.
“Contact should be built incrementally and RFU guidance states that training sessions should not exceed 20 minutes of contact at this stage.
“After four weeks of contact training to enable players to build fitness levels and condition themselves physically, matches with adapted laws (no scrums or mauls) will be permitted against other clubs from 26 April (Stage D2 on the roadmap).”