CBs and clubs are reminded that we must remain at Stage D2 on the return to rugby roadmap. As announced on Friday, Government has not given permission for community rugby to move to Stage E1 yet.
This means that, until further notice, no scrums or mauls are permitted in either training or fixtures.
The decision applies to all levels in the men's and women's game below the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15's and Greene King IPA Championship (which follow elite return to play protocols.
We will continue our conversation with government around when it maybe possible to move to Stage E. Insurance cover for RFU clubs remains in place and as well as providing cover for usual activity, the insurance protects clubs against allegations relating to Covid-19, provided they are operating within RFU regulations and government guidelines.
Clubs should undertake risk assessments of both their premises and any activity that is taking place to establish what measures need to be taken. This includes training sessions. Risk assessment should be kept on file. Further advice and resources can be located at England Rugby Insurance.
Updates will be provided when available.
Age Grade Playing Guidance has been updated
We have reviewed the playing guidance and updated it to better suit players' needs.
• 1 September – 31 October – Current Age Grade (2020/2021 season) rules apply for all matches and training, internal and against another team.
• 1 November – 31 December – New Age Grade (2021/2022 season) rules can be applied in training and internal matches only. Non internal matches must be played under 2020/2021 age grade rules.
The changes can be viewed in more detail in the updated Age Grade document.
Rugby Camps
Guidance supporting organisers of rugby camps and those reviewing/approving CBs is being updated to help achieve alignment with the Summer Activity Guide. This will be available by the beginning of June.
Current off-field guidance
Yesterday, Monday 17 May, saw changes in off-field guidance. These can be found via our Help Desk FAQs, which includes current information on hospitality, travel and facilities guidance.
We have also received updated guidance from Sport England around spectators which you can find on the FAQs.
We ask that you read this carefully to ensure that when you have spectators, they stick to their groups of up to 30. While there can be more than one group of 30, it is important there is clearly defined space between groups and they do not join with another group to make it 60, 90 etc.
Spectators are now permitted both indoors and outdoors in Step 3, but capacity limits apply.
All spectators should maintain social distancing and must adhere to legal gathering limits whilst they’re spectating. There cannot be any groups larger than 30 people. Multiple groups of spectators are permitted.
Spectators should minimise shouting or raising their voices. There is an additional risk of infection where people are shouting or singing in close proximity to others.
It is important that all spectators (including supporters, parents and others) adhere to the legal gathering limits. In addition to being legal requirements punishable by fines, those violating the measures are endangering public safety and undermining the case for safe sport to be allowed to take place.
More information can be found on the Government's Coronavirus (Covid-19) grassroots sports guidance.