Rugby puts a plan in place

The RFU have issued a road map for the return of community rugby.

A national road map, announced last Thursday, gives guidance on how the game can resume safely. Teams can now train in small groups and the RFU warn that this could be the way it stays for some time.

The game’s governing body say they will take guidance from medical experts on the risk of spreading Covid-19 through face-to-face contact between individuals, the ball and other equipment. In addition, they accept that the 2020/21 season could be shortened.

League seasons generally begin in early September. Alternative dates for re-commencing the sport have been identified as the end of October or the beginning of November.

Coronavirus put a stop to rugby activity on March 16 and days later the RFU called an end to competitions.

The RFU may also consider temporary law amendments to the game, as a way to enable some activity if the game’s return is delayed. It’s previously been suggested that the game could be played with no scrums, tackles or mauling, with shorter matches.

Their road map consists of six stages, A to F, but say they could jump a stage if it’s possible to do so.

Individual training (stage A) started on May 13 when it became permissible for rugby club pitches to be opened for two individuals to meet together, two metres apart, for fitness training.

From June 1, it’s been possible to move onto stage B, which is where they are now at, with individual training in small groups. Six individuals from different households can meet up.