Sale return moves one step closer
SALE Sharks have been given provisional authorisation to begin non-contact training.
Steve Diamond’s men haven’t played since beating London Irish 39-0 on March 6, with the sport halted just ahead of their Premiership Rugby Cup final with Harlequins which was due to be held at the AJ Bell Stadium on March 15.
Sale have been keen to get their players back in training, and yesterday tweeted ‘a step in the right direction’ after the Professional Game Board announced Premiership and Championship clubs could take the first step on the road back to playing again.
However, Sale need to provide a written declaration to Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union that a number of key criteria have been met.
Stage one protocols allow for individuals or small groups to train in the same facility, while adhering to social distancing rules at all times.
Chris Booy, the PGB chair, said: “The clubs will need to satisfy a number of requirements to start Stage 1 as we continue the huge amount of work being undertaken to enable a safe return to training.
“The welfare of the players, management and staff is our only priority, and we look forward to the season resuming when it is safe to do so.”
The criteria clubs must meet includes ensuring that all players and support staff complete an education module to make sure they are all able to make a decision on whether to opt in to training with all the available knowledge.
Clubs must appoint a Covid-19 manager and a Covid-19 medical lead, set out cleaning and hygiene standards for training facilities, provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and conduct daily screening, including temperature checks.
No timescale has been set for a return to contact training, or for a return to play. Darren Childs, Premiership Rugby chief executive, said: “I know our clubs and players are looking forward to getting back to training and we thank all the teams for their patience as we ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing is our paramount concern.”
The Premiership Rugby board has also given its unanimous support to adopt the 52 recommendations set out in Lord Myners’ review of the competition’s salary cap regulations.
They include stripping titles for serious offences, and greater accountability for clubs, players and their agents.