WRU reaction to Welsh Government update

The Welsh Government today announced further easing of lockdown restrictions that come into effect on Monday 13 July. Club Operations Managers representing rugby clubs throughout Wales have been invited to join a webinar that evening  where the WRU will share how this update impacts on the phased ‘Return to Rugby’ plans previously shared with clubs.

Player registration is currently suspended and a range of safety and education measures will be put in place by clubs and teams before organised training sessions are sanctioned by the governing body. A number of the measures in our next phase will be outlined to Club Operations Managers on Monday evening.

Further online meetings and communication will also be arranged with coaches, referees and affiliated groups within Welsh community rugby around the phased return to rugby process.

WRU Rugby Operations Manager Julie Paterson said: “It is vital that we keep player welfare and the impact on public health at the heart of our planning. “Rugby is a close proximity sport, even with modified rules, so a considered, phased approach is vital.

“We are determined to be part of the solution to Covid-19 so we are looking at all measures that need to be in place to ensure that players are physically prepared to safely return to contact as and when social distancing is no longer mandated by government.

“We know from discussions with clubs that they are keen to get back to rugby as soon as it is safe to do so.  Our role is to ensure that we issue clear guidelines to safeguard the game and the general public and make rugby facilities as robust as possible.

“We urge clubs to remain patient and to actively take part in the online meetings we have organised.”