Rugby’s roadmap for return to action

SOUTHPORT RUFC have been given a clear pathway for a return to action after the RFU issued a new roadmap out of lockdown for community rugby.

The roadmap is built around the Government’s own step-by-step roadmap being achieved.

A detailed calendar was published outlining the route towards a return to ‘normal’ fixtures. RFU chairman John Inverdale said: “This is light at the end of the tunnel.

“In three weeks time or so, rugby clubs can be alive again which is the key thing. March 29th and April 26th are dates which are set in stone.

“On the 31st of May, full contact matches could be able to be staged for the first time. That is an opportune day for a lot of clubs to plan something for that Monday. You can imagine a glorious, early summer’s day, a packed rugby club, loads of people there, money over the bar and a sense of a new dawn breaking.

“If all things go according to plan, all restrictions will be lifted on June 21st. If nothing happens untoward in the intervening period, we then get to July in pre-season training, and then we are off and running into September.”

RFU Rugby Development Director, Steve Grainger added: “This is fantastic news for the community game and we are pleased to be able to publish our plan for a phased return to full contact rugby

“It’s wonderful to see light at the end of the tunnel and we are as delighted as clubs and players across the country that they will soon be able to resume training and, progress towards contact fixtures and an exciting season of rugby for 2021/22 from September. While we are all incredibly excited about getting back out on the pitch, we should also be conscious of the need to build-up gradually after a long lay-off. The focus for all activity over the next three months should be on player retention and player safety.

“As during lockdown, we will continue to run webinars for coaches, players, match officials and volunteers to prepare for the return.

“Guidance will include advice for coaches on how to gradually and safely reintroduce contact, as well as ways to re-engage players and develop their skills over the coming months.

“As more guidance is published by government, we will provide facilities guidance to ensure clubs are in the best possible position when they’re able to re-open their clubhouses.”

Subject to the Government’s targets being reached, there is now a clear plan for the return to full-contact rugby, with scrums and mauls. The earliest date for the full game to return would be 31st May.