Return to Rugby 10th of May!

Headline: Contact Training Permitted From May 10th

Wednesday May 5th 2021

Following ongoing dialogue, the IRFU welcomes additional clarity from Sport Ireland on the status of outdoor training as follows:

“From May 10th outdoor training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people can return. This includes contact training. 

On that basis, outdoor, contact training will also be permitted for those under the age 18 in pods of a maximum of 15 people.”

Currently Permitted (ROI):

“Underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15”

Pitches can reopen but indoor facilities e.g. “changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting

rooms must remain closed apart from essential toilets.”

From Monday May 10th (ROI):

“Outdoor contact training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people”

“Contact training will also be permitted for those under the age 18 in pods of a maximum of 15 people”

Training can be contact, non-contact or a blend of both. This is strictly on an opt-in basis and should be based on the feedback of each individual playing group.

Please note, all clubs & schools who wish to play structured contact rugby when permitted under public health measures will need to undergo a minimum of 4 weeks of contact readiness training.

From Monday June 7th (ROI):

Subject to the public health situation at the time, “outdoor sports matches can recommence. No spectators are permitted.”

As per the #ReadyForRugby overview issued on March 16th 2021, all clubs & schools who wish to play structured contact rugby will need to undergo a minimum of 4 weeks of contact readiness training.

Northern Ireland:

Clubs and schools in Northern Ireland are not affected by this update. Northern Ireland Executive regulations are to be reviewed on 13th May 2021 and the IRFU and Ulster Rugby will relay any updates to clubs.

Further Updates

The IRFU and provinces will continue to relay all updates to public health measures. An updated version of the IRFU Rugby Participation Roadmap 2021/22 will also be issued in due course.

An updated version of the #ReadyForRugby Overview is available here

Non-Rugby Activity In Clubs:

Commercial activities operated by clubs including bar and cafe facilities are subject to relevant sector guidelines.

Message From IRFU Rugby Development Director Colin McEntee:

“After ongoing dialogue, we welcome the clarification from Sport Ireland that contact training can resume in the Republic of Ireland from May 10th. We want to see a summer of fun for our sport – clubs, teams, pods and players will be able to choose how and when they get back out onto the pitch.

With matches permitted in the Republic of Ireland from June 7th, there will be a wide variety of game options available and clubs will be welcome to play each other at a local level from that time.

It is anticipated that a return to competitive structures will commence in August 2021 for all men’s and women’s adult teams, U20s, school, youth and minis starting at local and provincial level. This will be confirmed in due course.

Of all of the values of Irish Rugby, fun is the one we’ve missed the most in the last year. We encourage clubs to focus on a fun and safe environment in welcoming players back to rugby.

Message From IRFU Medical Director Rod McLoughlin:

“We must remember at all times that COVID-19 has not been eliminated from this island. It is critical that clubs continue to minimise risk and adhere to all public health measures in place.

Rugby will only return in a meaningful way if we adopt the right behaviours that will keep ourselves, our teammates and our club mates safe.

It has been well over a year since most club players have been involved in competitive rugby and we have seen from other team sports that there is an increased risk of injury after a lengthy period without structured training.

That means clubs will have to be extra cautious around the training loads they are putting in place. Player welfare still applies around injury prevention just as much as it does in terms of COVID-19.

#ReadyForRugby Support:

In addition to the support available to you from your province, here are a list of resources for your club:

COVID-19 Safety Planning:

VIDEO: Considerations For Updating Your COVID-19 Safety Plan

Additional Guidelines Are Available at https://www.irishrugby.ie/running-your-club/return-to-rugby-for-clubs/

Return To Play Guidance:

PDF: Contact Readiness Training Overview

PDF: Performance, Injury Reduction & Return To Play After Prolonged Inactivity

VIDEO: Getting Contact Ready

VIDEO: Workload Guidelines For Return To Rugby

VIDEO: Protecting Player Performance With Warm Ups

For upcoming #ReadyForRugby Support Webinars, go to https://www.irishrugby.ie/2021/04/22/new-readyforrugby-support-webinars-added/

Related Documents:

Return to Rugby

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  For immediate release: 04/30/2021 Dear Honorary Secretary,

I hope this email finds you safe and well.

The IRFU welcomes today’s announcement that the Government of Ireland are moving forward with the easing of current restrictions.

We would be most grateful if you could share the below information, resource documentation and notice of #ReadyForRugby Support webinars with your members.

Currently Permitted (ROI):

“Underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15”

Pitches can reopen but indoor facilities e.g. “changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting rooms must remain closed apart from essential toilets.”

From Monday May 10th (ROI):

“Outdoor training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people”

The IRFU are awaiting official confirmation on the contact/non-contact status of this training and will relay this update as soon as this information is available.

From Monday June 7th (ROI):

“Outdoor sports matches can recommence. No spectators are permitted.” (Subject to the public health situation at the time)

As per the #ReadyForRugby Overview issued on March 16th 2021, all clubs & schools who wish to play structured contact rugby will need to undergo a minimum of 4 weeks of contact readiness training.

Northern Ireland:

Clubs and schools in Northern Ireland are not affected by this update. Northern Ireland Executive regulations are to be reviewed on 13th May 2021 and the IRFU and Ulster Rugby will relay any updates to clubs.

Click here for #URgame Info

Further Updates:

The IRFU and provinces will continue to relay all updates to public health measures. Updated versions of the #ReadyForRugby Overview and the IRFU Rugby Participation Roadmap 2021/22 will also be issued in due course.

Public Health Advice:

The easing of these restrictions has been brought about by the commitment and continued perseverance of people in mitigating the risk of COVID-19. Rugby communities are urged to maintain vigilance and continue to abide by all public health measures in place.

Clubs and schools must ensure their COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan is up to date before resuming any rugby activity.

#ReadyForRugby Support Webinars:

The IRFU and provinces are continuing to offer guidance to clubs as they reopen their gates and resume activity.

Click here for a list of upcoming #ReadyForRugby Support Webinars

Related Documents (Click To View)#ReadyForRugby OverviewIRFU Rugby Participation Roadmap 2021/22Considerations For Updating Your COVID Safety PlanGovernment of Ireland – Latest Public Health MeasuresNorthern Ireland Executive Coronavirus Regulations
Many Thanks,

IRFU Rugby Development Department