The roadmap consists of six stages. It may be necessary to remain in any one stage for a sustained period of time, with or without minor amendments. It may also be possible to jump a stage:

A. Individual training with one other person
B. Individual training in small groups
C. Larger group training with limited face-to-face or close contact
D. Whole team training with increased face-to-face or close contact
E. Whole team training in preparation to play matches
F. Return to matches against other teams

We moved to stage A on May 13th when it became permissible for rugby club pitches to be opened and for two individuals to meet together, while remaining at least two metres apart, and engage in individual fitness-based training.

The opening of pitches is at the discretion of rugby clubs (or other pitch operators) and indoor space in clubhouses may only be opened to provide through access to pitches, for access to toilets and to provide takeaway food/drinks.

The most recent government announcement on May 28th made it possible, from June 1st, to move to stage B. Here six individuals from different households may now meet up and engage in individual training. The two metre social distancing rule still applies and if a coach is involved they are part of the group of six. Equipment sharing (including balls) should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practice should be in place before and after. As physical contact with anyone outside of your house is currently not permitted, playing of any games (small sided or full) is also not permitted at this time.

Parents/carers observing a session at a distance from a safeguarding perspective is permitted, without them being part of the participating group. While permissible for multiple small groups to be engaged in training at the same site, clubs must risk assess this properly and ensure that safe and adequate distancing between groups is strictly observed. This will be dependent on the activity being undertaken, however the RFU’s guidance would be that no more than one group should be active on each quarter of any pitch.

It is possible that we may remain at stage B for a while with potential amendments coming within the stage to reflect any revised government position. This could include, for example, an enlargement of the number of people permitted.

A move to stage C would begin to see larger groups being able to train together, such as forwards or backs or age grade groupings and would likely involve more interactive activity other than simply fitness and conditioning work. We anticipate that this stage will still be subject to some social distancing measures and the training activities permitted would likely reflect a need to limit the total amount of close or face-to-face contact between individuals.

A move to stage D is likely to be triggered by a more significant relaxation of social distancing measures and when the risk element of typical rugby training activities that involve close and face-to-face contact and the typical physical contact of rugby training is deemed acceptable.

Stage E allows for preparation for return to play and to matches (NB – there may still be some adaptations/restrictions in place). A minimum of four weeks will be spent in stage E before any progression to stage F, to allow players to get match fit.

Stage F allows for a return to matches between players from different clubs (NB – there may still be some adaptations/restrictions in place)

All our staff are furloughed and Leigh RUFC will remain closed.
Risk assessments will be undertaken in the near future.
The situation will be reassesed at the beginning of July when, hopefully, we can return to a structured training programme.

Full guidance on the RFU website