The progression to stage D1 on the Return to Rugby Roadmap from the 29th March 2021 means that contact activity except scrum and maul can take place in training and inter-club Tag, Touch and Ready4Rugby fixtures can restart. The progression to stage D2 on the Return to Roadmap from the 26th April 2021 means contact fixtures under temporary law variations (no scrum or maul) can take place.

This is an extension of the overall guidance outlined in the Return to Community Rugby Guidance3. Clubs should continue to work within these guidelines to ensure that all facility, pre-activity and other general operational practices are safe and appropriate.

Clubs are now able to organise Tag, Touch and Ready4Rugby at stage D1 and contact fixtures under temporary law variations, which remove the scrum and maul at stage D2. Clubs should only do this once they have carried out an appropriate risk assessment to take into account additional considerations that may be required during the Covid-19 pandemic, for example total number of people on site and adhering to social distancing.

Clubs should ensure they are appropriately setup and prepared for safely welcoming other clubs and individuals to their facilities. More information is available in the Return to Community Rugby and Facility Reopening Guidance3. The ‘progressive’ reintroduction of contact activity is important to ensure players can continue to practice core skills and are able to start preparing and conditioning themselves appropriately as the game continues to progress back to normality with regular training and matches. Clubs found to be in breach of permitted activity may face disciplinary action and/or invalidate their liability insurance.