Here is a note from Marc Gumbrill our Fixtures Secretary, which sets out the position well following the RFU's announcement of a Return to Rugby Roadmap.

On Friday the RFU published it’s plans for the community game to return to full contact, inter club matches by September. You will be aware that the adult 2020/21 season has been cancelled completely and age grade rugby will be extended to 31st May. For information, attached is the RFU’s ‘Rugby Road Map’ and the following is a synopsis of the way ahead.

Monday 8th March – With the re-opening of schools and colleges, pupils will be able to start participating in contact rugby under the amended laws provision, i.e. no scrums and mauls.

Monday 29th March (Stage D1 on the attached) – All age grade and adult rugby training can recommence at clubs. Contact training is permitted under the amended laws provision (no scrums and mauls), and non-contact fixtures (R4R, Tag, O2 Touch, etc.) can be arranged with other clubs. Limited travel is still advised. It is recommended that contact training is reintroduced in a graduated manner with sessions lasting no more than 20 minutes.

Monday 26th April (Stage D2) – Contact matches against other clubs can be arranged under the amended laws provision (no scrums and mauls).

Monday 17th May (Stage E1) – This date is provisional and is subject to continued down pressure on, and control of infection, but subject to Government approval full contact INCLUDING scrums and mauls can recommence in training.

There will be a minimum of two weeks before…….

Monday 31st May (Stage E2) – Full contact adult matches against other clubs can recommence. This remains subject to the above precautions in stage E1. Age grade rugby will be extended to this date but may continue through the summer months to help bring kids up to the respective age levels.

Monday 21st June (Stage F) – ALL RESTRICTIONS REMOVED subject to infection control and Government approval.

In September 2021 the season will recommence under ‘normal’ circumstances with no restrictions either on or off the pitch. However, U17s will not be permitted to play adult rugby in any way before 1st January 2022. M&Js will continue in their current age grade groups until 31st December 2021 when they can move up to their next level, i.e. if they are U10 now they will remain so for the rest of this year regardless of their age. This is to ensure they have mastered all the skills dependant on their particular level before progressing.

Off pitch protocols with regard to hospitality, travelling and use of changing rooms will be developed and briefed as we move forward. John Lawn, Head of Game Development at the RFU will be hosting a number of webinars on training and how to reintroduce full contact in a graduated way in advance of September.

In short, that’s it. As I hear more I’ll keep everyone informed.

Cheers

Gumbo

Marc Gumbrill

Fixture Secretary

Horsham RUFC

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