Clubs can re-instate scrums and mauls in training from Monday, 19 July. Internal training games are allowed between Monday 19 July and Saturday 7 August. Training games should include an incremental approach to scrummaging and coaches should rotate players every 20 minutes. Clubs should not return to match-intensity full-contact 15-a-side training games immediately.
There is then a minimum 3-week preparation period of training sessions ahead of match play – matches can be played from, and not before, Saturday 7 August. Coaches are reminded that they are responsible for working with all players to assess their physical readiness and technical competence before returning to scrummaging.
The new season is set to start as normal for the whole community game.
We are thrilled that clubs and players will be able to return to full contact rugby – as always, player welfare is our main priority and we need to manage the return to scrums and mauls as safely as possible.