RFU releases rugby restart road map

The Rugby Football Union has set out how the grassroots game, including schools, universities and women's teams, can return safely to training and playing following the coronavirus crisis. 

The governing body in England has published a "restart road map" outlining the six stages to allow rugby's full return.

It also confirmed the criteria for the first two stages, individual training with one other person and training in small groups, have been met and are safe to resume as long as all current hygene and social distancing measures are observed.

The next phase will see larger group training with some "face-to-face" close contact before full team training once some social distancing measures have been relaxed.

The final two steps relate to preparing for full matches and the eventual return to playing. 

Whilst clubs will be encouraged by the guidance, the RFU stressed any training, including for women and girls, must be safe and comply with current government guidelines.

RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney, said: "Whilst we are keen to have rugby being played and members returning to their clubs, we need to be cautious and will therefore only move from one stage to another when guidance and advice says that it is safe to do so.

“There are many implications of a staged return to play, including the impact on the competitive programme, rugby activity in clubs, schools, colleges and universities and also the use of club houses and indoor facilities. We remain committed to addressing these challenges in the run up to the 20/21 season.”