The Rugby Football Union (RFU) welcomes the news that Government has given its approval for 15-a-side contact rugby union to return at grassroots level, subject to adaptations.
This comes after extensive research and consultations with Government into mitigating the risks of close contact. By using law variations, this will limit the risk of prolonged face-to-face contact, allowing the community game to resume (everything below the Greene King IPA Championship and Allianz Premier 15s).
Clubs will be able to begin adapted training from Wednesday 2 December in preparation for local friendly fixtures recommencing from Friday 18 December when the following law variations will come into effect:
There will be no scrums or mauls in the game.
Instead of a scrum, the game will begin with a free kick. This free kick cannot be taken quickly.
A minimum of five and a maximum of seven players from each team are required to form a lineout.
A team awarded a penalty or free kick will no longer be able to choose a scrum option.
A team awarded a penalty or free kick at a lineout can instead choose another lineout at the same mark.
For the full announcement and a video explainer, visit: