Rugby union takes a step towards a return with non-contact training

Premiership and Championship clubs have been given provisional authorisation to begin non-contact training amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Professional Game Board announced yesterday that clubs would 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: "I can confirm that the Professional Game Board which incorporates representatives of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Premiership Rugby, Rugby Players Association (RPA) and Championship clubs has given provisional authorisation for Premiership and Championship Rugby clubs to move to Stage 1: Elite Sport Return to Training Guidance.

"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 meetincludesensuringthatall 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."

Rob Baxter, director of rugby at Premiership leaders Exeter, welcomed the announcement. "A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes at the club to ensure all of our players and staff will have the highest standards of care on their return," he said.