English Community Rugby Season Delayed Until 21 September

The RFU has announced that the start of the competitive community rugby season will be delayed until the week commencing Monday 21 September.

The decision has been made following the prolonged dry weather, which has left many pitches across England too hard for safe full-contact rugby.

What does this mean?

• Men’s leagues at Regional 1 and below will not start before 21 September.
• Women’s leagues below PWR will also be delayed.
• Some age-grade competitions will start later.
• Local and merit leagues will receive guidance through their Constituent Bodies.
• Training can continue, but clubs should assess pitch conditions before every session.
• Friendlies can still be played where conditions are suitable and clubs are satisfied it is safe to do so.
• National League Rugby will make decisions regarding matches at National 1 and National 2.

Why the delay?

The RFU says there are three main reasons:

Player welfare – hard pitches increase the risk of injury and many clubs have been unable to complete normal contact training during pre-season.

Fair competition – pitch conditions and access to artificial pitches vary significantly between clubs.

Planning – making the decision now gives clubs time to rearrange fixtures, travel, catering, volunteers and other matchday arrangements.

What happens now?

Clubs can continue training and running non-contact rugby, including T1 Rugby, while preparing for the season.

Fixtures scheduled for 12 and 19 September will be rearranged by the relevant competition organisers.

The RFU will continue to monitor weather and pitch conditions and provide further guidance if necessary.

For now, the key date for the competitive community game is:

🏉 Week commencing Monday 21 September.

FYB will continue to share any further updates affecting grassroots rugby.