Version 4 updated 2/12/20 10:55
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) welcomes the news that Government has given its approval for 15-a-side contact rugby union to return at grassroots level, subject to adaptations.
This comes after extensive research and consultations with Government into mitigating the risks of close contact. By using law variations, this will limit the risk of prolonged face-to-face contact, allowing the community game to resume (everything below the Greene King IPA Championship and Allianz Premier 15s).
15 a-side
Clubs will be able to begin adapted training from Wednesday 2 December in preparation for local friendly fixtures recommencing from Friday 18 December when the following law variations will come into effect:
- There will be no scrums or mauls in the game.
- Instead of a scrum, the game will begin with a free kick. This free kick cannot be taken quickly.
- A minimum of five and a maximum of seven players from each team are required to form a lineout.
- A team awarded a penalty or free kick will no longer be able to choose a scrum option.
- A team awarded a penalty or free kick at a lineout can instead choose another lineout at the same mark.
Further details on the variations (Law 5 – Time, Law 16 – Maul, Law 18 – Lineout, Law 19 -Scrum, Law 20 – Penalty and Free Kick) can be found here. These law variations will be reviewed as the season progresses and as restrictions change.
Clubs in all tiers will be able to return to Stage E on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. Further guidance on travel within and between tiers will be issued following publication of government guidance.
There is no obligation for players and clubs to play 15-a-side adaptations. Clubs will still be able to play Ready4Rugby matches up until and beyond 18 December. Universities will need to align rugby with their planning for student engagement, testing and return home in December. It remains an education institution decision whether playing rugby is possible within their own requirements and measures
Age Grade Rugby
Adapted Stage E rules/laws for Age Grade Rugby have also been approved for U7-13 and U14-18. The move to Stage E will allow the recommencing of Tag Rugby for U7s and U8s.
Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed schools/colleges can return to playing sport in line with approved National Governing Body action plans.
Return to Play Webinar support will be available tomorrow on the Coronavirus Hub resources pageof the RFU website
Guide to adapted Contact Phase E
Facilities Guidance
Tier system quick reference guide to facilities
More details can be found on the Government website