WRU update – RCT restrictions lifted

The temporary suspension of community rugby in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area has been lifted with immediate effect following regular reviews of the situation, more than two weeks after a local lockdown was imposed.

Along with clubs in Caerphilly County Borough, where the temporary rugby suspension was lifted on Tuesday, teams of all ages in RCT may now return to training within the current return to rugby guidelines, if they feel they can provide a safe environment for players, coaches and volunteers.

It is important to stress that Welsh Government local restrictions still in force in the Borough prevent players, parents and coaches from entering or leaving RCT in order to attend training sessions.

WRU Operations Director Julie Paterson said:

“We have taken a number of factors into account when reviewing this situation including local intelligence around rugby clubs, the trend of coronavirus within the Local Authority and importantly, we have also consulted Club Operations Managers and volunteers from all of the rugby clubs in the area.”

WRU Community Director Geraint John added, “We are very grateful to the volunteers, players and parents for adhering to the protocols we have put in place in order to create safe environments for community rugby and we ask all concerned to remain vigilant as we move forward in our Return to Rugby plan. The clubs we have spoken to so far feel they are in a good place to make a call as to whether to return to regular training at this time following a temporary suspension and in managing day to day activities at their club within the current guidelines.”

Online meetings are scheduled with clubs in the other areas where local restrictions are currently in force to review their situation.