News

Following a meeting of the Community Rugby Board earlier this week, and ahead of the next Welsh Government update, due on Friday, the Welsh Rugby Union has written to its Clubs to confirm that all levels of Community rugby in Wales may continue to train and play under the current Welsh Government guidelines.

However, it has been agreed by the Community Board that if clubs wish to postpone any matches scheduled for this weekend (8/9 January) they may do so, without sanctions, providing they inform the Welsh Rugby Union admin and referees’ departments at their earliest convenience and no later than Thursday, wherever possible. This includes Indigo Group Premiership matches, Admiral National League, Women’s Cup games, Youth Cup/ League, Schools, mini and junior matches.

There will be an opportunity to seek further clarity following Friday’s Welsh Government update by attending one of two WRU webinars to be held next Tuesday 11 Jan and Wednesday 12 January, both 6.30pm. Links will be sent in due course.

WRU Community Director Geraint John said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers and supporters for adhering to the guidance so far in this process and to remind all clubs to ensure they continue to do so to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

Key points:
• Training and matches can take place under the current guidance – groups of 50 adults outdoors with a maximum 50 supporters.
• If Clubs decide to go ahead with matches, please communicate with each other regarding number of players, management and supporters expected to attend in order to meet the guidance. NB it is NOT the referee’s responsibility to manage spectator numbers.
• Clubs should review their risk assessments and update where necessary, ensuring players, coaches and supporters are fully aware of the processes in place
• If Clubs feel they cannot comply with the regulations at this time, the recommended course of action would be to postpone at this time. 
• There will be no sanctions for Clubs in rearranging fixtures
• If there is a dispute between Clubs who want to play and those who do not want to play then at this moment in time, the decision will be to postpone the match
• Many games are played on local authority grounds where it is difficult to regulate supporters. Clubs should contact their local authority with any questions around this and if Clubs feel they cannot comply with regulations then they should seek to postpone the match, a decision the Welsh Rugby Union will fully support
• If games are not being played, Clubs have been asked to inform the WRU by Thursday to help with planning and refereeing especially
• Further guidance will be given to Clubs later this week and and on next week’s webinars
• NB There are no restrictions on participation in junior (U18) sport. However, spectators should still be limited to 50. Any additional adults should only attend for SAFEGUARDING purposes only.
• Please refer to Welsh Government guidance below including for hospitality:

Current Welsh Government restrictions, in place from 6am on Boxing Day (26th December)

WSA guidance on sporting activity

FAQs for the general public

Guidance for various types of businesses on implementing the new regulations

Wales Guidance for Hospitality