Here is the latest guidance from the RFU on the return to rugby:
Return to Rugby – on field guidance
Stage D1 (from Monday 29 March) and Stage D2 (from Monday 26 April) guidance below includes advice for incremental contact training, building up to a max of 20 mins per session, excluding scrums and mauls, recommended coach to player ratio, equipment use and sanitisation advice.
• Full Stage D1 and D2 guidance.
• Examples of types of contact permitted in training – JPEG
• 10 minute video outlining key information to support the return to Stages D1 & D2.
• Presentation slides summary from RFU Coach Development.
• Coaches Q&A webinar on Stages D1 and D2.
Return to Rugby – off field guidance
At the time of writing, government guidance on areas relating to off-field such as clubhouses and travel hasn’t yet been published. As soon as this is available, we will update Coronavirus Hub and the Return to Rugby page.
The following guidelines apply from Monday 29 March Government Step 1B until Government’s Step 2 comes into force, which will be no earlier than Monday 12 April.
Clubhouses
It is expected that clubhouses will be able to re-open in line with national hospitality guidance from Step 2 on the government’s roadmap. This is when pubs and restaurants will be permitted to re-open (no earlier than 12 April.)
We will update CBs and Clubs on facilities and catering guidance closer to this date, when guidelines have been published by government.
Travel
Travel for sport and exercise is permitted. However, we strongly recommend keeping travel to a minimum.
We are awaiting the publication of government guidance relating to car sharing, minibus and coach use and will update when clarification has been received.
Changing rooms and showers
Changing rooms and showers cannot open from Monday 29 March, except for use by disabled people or in an emergency (for example should an injury occur and require treatment indoors).
A reminder for managing risk during non-occupancy, for example Legionella advice, can be found here.
We are awaiting publication of guidance as to whether changing rooms will be permitted to open at Step 2 on the government’s roadmap (provisionally Monday 12 April) or at Step 3 (provisionally Monday 17 May).
Toilet Facilities
Toilets are allowed to open on Monday 29 March. Please ensure toilet facilities are regularly sanitised and, if possible, keep windows open for ventilation. The decision on how long to keep toilets open will be at the discretion of each club. Further advice on the re-opening of toilet facilities is available here.
Spectators / age grade players’ parents or carers
Spectators are not allowed at any community sport and physical activity sessions or events. This does not apply to carers for disabled people, or adults needed to supervise under-18s in a safeguarding role.
Where it is necessary for them to be present, supervising adults or waiting parents/carers should not mix with others from outside their household or support bubble.
While we understand it is difficult for clubs to police, please remind parents during minis and junior sessions that we must respect the spirit in which grassroots sport has been granted permission to return. Please strongly discourage parents from huddling together on sidelines.
Track and trace protocols
At the time of writing, we are awaiting confirmation of whether the previous Covid-19 track and trace protocols need to be followed and will update in Friday’s Community Game Update. Previous Covid-19 track and trace protocols are here.
Takeaway – serving and consuming teas, coffees, etc
As per the Government guidance on takeaways Club catering facilities should follow the latest government guidance for hospitality venues. Premises can only offer food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway until 11pm. Takeaway refreshment (coffees, teas etc.) should be taken away from the premises entirely, which includes any adjoining pitches owned and managed by the club, to ensure that there is no risk to their premises licence or club premises certificate. Clubs should not encourage gatherings.
For further information contact the Hospitality & Alcohol Licensing Helpline 0115 934 9177.
Our Club Support Centre FAQs and Return to Rugby page will continue to be updated as sport-specific guidance is published by government in the coming days.
