The RFU have announced further guidance in relation to Covid-19 postponements.

Before the Christmas break, additional flexibility in regulations for the weekend of 17/18/19 December were proactively communicated as a one-off exception.

From this weekend (7/8/9 January), the Covid protocols laid out through Regulation 22 below will also be applicable.

The RFU are keen to encourage rugby to be played whilst ensuring provisions are in place for those clubs that have genuine and proven Covid-related reasons why they are unable to fulfil a fixture.

Therefore, from this weekend, the below applies to National One and National Two and this will be kept under continual review for the remainder of the season.

Fixtures scheduled from the weekend of 7/8/9 January onwards

  • Matches should go ahead as normal
  • For a club to postpone a fixture, they must adhere to the following process:

1. Submit a Covid declaration form with all signatures to National League Rugby (ncasecretary@outlook.com)

2. Provide all supportive information for the Covid-19 Declaration Form (including an explanation as to why the match should be postponed, including if a team can’t be fielded and why, e.g. details of players testing positive/isolating, including how many players remain available).

3. The decision to accept or decline the postponement will rest with the relevant organising committee. Clubs should not assume a postponement until advised by the relevant organising committee.

Clubs are advised to take sensible precautions to protect members and players. In line with public health advice, this includes:

  • Encouraging players, coaches, members, match officials, to undertake Lateral Flow Tests ahead of attending and to self-isolate and follow government guidance if the test is positive.
  • Minimising use of changing rooms – encourage players to arrive in kit. If changing rooms or treatment rooms are required, facemasks must be worn and rooms should be ventilated where possible.
  • Minimising use of social spaces, ventilating where possible and keep spacing within rooms.
  • Implementing regular cleaning protocols of communal areas and toilet facilities.
  • Ensuring hand sanitisers are readily available.
  • Reminding members to follow government and public health guidance on mask wearing.
  • Minimising travel with other people.

Covid-19 Guidance

The RFU and National League Rugby want to ensure easy access to guidance.

Alongside government guidance, which can be found here, and Sport England guidance here, you can find information, resources and FAQs on England Rugby’s Coronavirus Hub which will be updated if government advice changes. Please check back regularly.

If you can’t find the information you are looking for please contact ClubSupport@RFU.com

The RFU will continue to monitor the situation and keep it under review, working closely with government and public health experts.