RFU Community Game Updates
Updated: Dec 9, 2020
Distribution list: Tuesday 8 December
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers,
Club Presidents, Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, TreasurersCoronavirus (Covid-19) updateThis week’s headlines include:
1. Steve Grainger video update on Return to Rugby, including travel
2. Return to Play guidance
3. Facilities guidance
4. Club Cluster Competitions
5. Inner Warrior
Other Updates
6. Webinars and podcasts
7. #ShowYourShirt reaches 600
8. Dursley’s new strip
We are now at Stage E which means tag and contact training can now continue under adaptations with matches allowed from Friday 18 December. There is no obligation to return to matches straight away and we would encourage a staged return to contact for players.RoadmapRFU HeadlinesReturn to Rugby updateRFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger gives an update on the return to rugby and travel guidance.Watch VideoRFU HeadlinesAllianz Inner Warrior ReturnsAs we return to rugby, we bring you even more good news with the return of the Warrior Camps from January 2021. Clubs will have until Friday 18 December to register their interest using the form below and if you have any questions please get in touch via innerwarrior@rfu.com or check out our Facebook page.More InformationRegister TodayReturn to Play updateLast week’s return to rugby has been welcomed and appreciated at all levels. Linked below is a reminder video of the new adaptations approved from Age Grade to adult rugby, as well as webinars supporting the Return to Play.
Alongside this, we will be hosting a live Webinar with Steve Granger, Director of Rugby Development, on Tuesday 15 December at lunch time so please send us your questions. You will be able to register below from Friday on the Coronavirus page via the link below.
A reminder that clubs and players are under no obligation to return to contact matches from Friday 18 December.
Return to Play support is also available below, and click for Club Support Centre FAQs.Webinar ResourcesCoronavirus PageFacilities guidanceWith current guidance from DCMS and Government being updated regularly, we will be helping our clubs to stay up to date around travel, bar and social space guidance, as well as that for changing rooms and other facilities. Using our FAQs section, alongside an easy to use infographic that can be found below, we hope to see rugby clubs returning to a more normal state in the coming weeks and months.
If you do not find an answer to your query there, please contact clubsupport@rfu.com and we will respond as quickly as we can.Support CentreQuick GuideClub Cluster CompetitionsWe are considering options for managing the potential issues caused by clubs being in a Tier that doesn’t permit travel outside of their area. More information will be sent to clubs this week via their local organising committee so please keep an eye out. Start dates for these are still to be confirmed.Webinars and PodcastsReturn to Play Webinar support is available below:
Return to Stage E with Steve Grainger
This live webinar with Steve Granger, Director of Rugby Development, at midday on Tuesday 15 December, is being held to answer your questions on the return to rugby and Stage E on the Return to Community Roadmap. Please send questions to clubsupport@rfu.com or register and tune in to ask them live.
Coaching the game
An England Rugby panel will take questions from coaches focusing on coaching the game and the opportunities the adaptations might bring for player development in Stage E - Wednesday 9 December 7pm – 8pm. Register here.
Preparing Players for a Return to Rugby
Tim Hall – England U18s Strength & Conditioning Coach will be leading this Webinar on preparing players for a return to rugby – Thursday 10 December 7:30pm – Register here
You can see all our previous Coaching, Refereeing, and Club webinars online.Other important updates#ShowYourShirts hits 600This weekend, not only did we see England’s men win the Autumn Nations Cup in a climatic finish in front of 2,000 fans, but 600 of your clubs shirts also showed the community game was behind the team as well as reminding people of the efforts of volunteers around the country who have worked so hard to keep their clubs going during the pandemic. Thank you to all the clubs that sent us their shirts.
You can see photos of them using the below link. If you wish to use them in any advertising all we ask is you credit “RFU collection via Getty images”.Shirt ImagesDursley’s new stripDursley RFC have been doing some exceptional stuff during the pandemic not only shaving their heads for NHS Combined Charity Fund but also decided on a Year of Fundraising for the British Heart Foundation after the loss of their Colts Coach which saw them scale Mount Snowden in their budgy smugglers.Dursley RFCWe want to highlight the wonderful activities that our clubs and their teams are doing on our England Rugby channels. Please share your stories and videos with ChrisDodd@rfu.com or PatriciaMowbray@rfu.com.
Information on Travel between Tier 3 Areas
Following the RFU and Government guidance regarding the return of community rugby, we have received an update from DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) on the issue of travel within and between Tier 3 areas:
Currently the majority of the North East is in the Tier 3 category. This is split into two distinct areas:
• North East Combined Authority (Tier 3)
Consists of the seven councils: County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
• Tees Valley Combined Authority (Tier 3)
The five local authorities of Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.
Government regulations state that there should be no travel outside of or between Tier 3 Combined Authority areas.
Therefore, clubs and individuals can travel and play within their Combined Authority Tier 3 area, but they cannot travel to another Tier 3 Combined Authority area to play rugby.
For example, if you live in County Durham, you are free to travel to Northumberland to play rugby because both locations are in the same Combined Authority area.
However, if you live in Hartlepool, you cannot travel to County Durham to play because this would mean you are travelling between Tees Valley Combined Authority and the North East Combined Authority.
This will clearly have implication for some clubs and individuals who play/reside across the different Tier 3 areas and you should ensure you fully understand and comply with the travel restrictions for your own circumstances.
Exemptions
Travel is permitted where it is necessary to enable sport for disabled people, sport for educational purposes, or supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, to take place, but should still be minimised and kept to short distances only.
Further information
More details can be found on our Coronavirus Hub.
FAQs can be found here and will continue to be updated.
Latest UK Government Guidance can be found here.
Rugby Activity
We are now at Stage E on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap.
Summary of law variations can be found here.
Return to Play webinar support can be found below:
Return to Rugby
Following Thursday’s tier announcement, we know clubs have a number of questions to address and we want to reassure you that we are working hard with Governme
As you will appreciate, the return to grassroots sport in the covid landscape is a complex and fast-moving world for Government to manage. We will continue to support their efforts to provide clarity for clubs as quickly as possible.
As soon as we are in a position to do so, we will provide Clubs and CBs with on field and off field guidance for each tier, so you are confident about returning to play safely and excited about rugby restarting.
Guidance for each tier will include:
• Which stage on The Return to Community Rugby Roadmap clubs will be able to play.
• Equipment that will be permitted.
• Facilities guidance (for clubhouses, bars, changing rooms, showers, toilets)
• Travel implications
• Spectators management
• Group mixing rules
Until Wednesday 2 December, we remain in national lockdown and at Stage A on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. This means that no competitive or formal rugby activities can be undertaken.
Please keep an eye out for communications in the coming days. We will share an update with you as soon as we have received and interpreted Government guidance
around sporting facilities, so that we can provide clarity on what it means for clubs in each area.
Pre-send Distribution list: Wednesday 11 November
Council Members, Rugby Development
Distribution list: Friday 13 November
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers, Club Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, TreasurersCommunity Game Update – November 2020Content:1. Check out England Rugby social media channels this weekend
2. RFU Cluster Fixture Proposals
3. Age Grade Playing Calendars 2020/2021 and 2021/2022
4. Age Grade Registration – GMS Data Tidy-Up
5. Postponement of 2020/21 Level 3 Coaching Award
6. Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union Courses are back
7. NatWest Rugby Club Finance Guide
8. Warrior Camps return
9. Information - England Men’s and Women’s forthcoming fixtures
Welcome to the November 2020 Community Game Update. We hope you find the update useful, and if you have any feedback, queries or content that you would like to feature, please email Chris Dodd, Communications Executive (chrisdodd@rfu.com).
Our communications to you are based on the data held in the Game Management System (GMS). Please check the information held on this system is up to date and active.
This communication is only sent to the roles highlighted in the distribution list above. Please share it with others in your club who need to see it.Check out England Rugby social media channels this weekendOn Saturday community rugby clubs will be recognised at England v Georgia in the Quilter Internationals 2020, part o
f the Autumn Nations Cup, including the club shirts we’ve received so far as part of the Show Your Shirt campaign, you can read more below.
On Sunday we’ll kick off the #GetYourShirtsOn campaign, which aims to keep a
ge grade players active and engaged with their clubs during the national lockdown.
We will be live streaming fitness and rugby activities for 6-18 year olds on the England Rugby YouTube channel on Sunday mornings throughout November. These sessions, led by England legends, will include a mix of fun activities for all age grade players (and their parents!) to enjoy.Club ShirtsRFU Cluster Fixture ProposalsFollowing the decision from the RFU Council to cancel the 20/21 League Season for Men’s (Level 3 and below) and Women’s (Level 2 and below) RFU Leagues, plans have been developed to instigate local cluster fixtures, to help facilitate a return to contact rugby when permitted t
o do so (hopefully in the New Year). This local cluster competition would not be used to determine League positions for the 2021/22 season.
The proposal is based around five principles:
• Providing clubs with structured local competitive fixtures
• Based on contact rugby (either full contact or adapted variations dependent on Government advice)
• Minimised travel times
• Local clusters of up to seven teams (this number will vary according to specific regions and agreed local needs)
• Relaxed regulations to remove barriers to participation
All teams in RFU Leagues (Men's level 3 and below / Women's level 2 and below) will have been contacted by their Organising Committee on Friday 13 November with more detailed information about local clusters and how you can sign up. Equally, clubs are free to opt out if they wish to play in another locally organised model, or to simpl
y arrange matches on an ad-hoc basis.Age grade playing calendars seasons 2020/21 and 2021/222020/21 Age Grade Playing Calendar
We are pleased to confirm the following points relating to the Age Grade Playing Calendar this season, as outlined to RFU Council on Wednesday 11 November which you can read on the button below.
The staging of all these activities and format of play must be in line with our Return to Rugby Roadmap and the Government Covid-19 guidance in place at the time.
2021/22 Age Grade Playing Calendar
Due to the impact of Covid–19 it has not been possible to release the Age Grade Playing Calendar for 2021/22. We are aiming to have this out in December to enable planning for next season.Age Grade CalendarAge Grade Registration – GMS Data Tidy-UpTo help with preparation, we will be assisting clubs with tidying up their data, starting with the removal of the duplicated email addresses against age grade records. This process will involve removing a duplicate email address against a record that is under the age of 15 where the email is shared with the parent/guardian linked to their account.GMS Help PortalPostponement of 2020/21 Level 3 Coaching AwardDue to the recent Gove
rnment lockdown announcement, the uncertainty this brings regarding a full return to rugby and potential future local restrictions, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020/21 England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (formerly Level 3 Coaching).
The course requires participants to demonstrate a range of coaching knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours that they might not get the opportunity to demonstrate in what remains of this season, through an amended game format or via a remotely delivered course. We therefore believe postponing gives the participants the best opportunity to develop and enjoy the experience the full course would offer.
It is our intention to start the 2021/22 course in May 2021, all eligible participants
will be contacted and offered the opportunity to apply in the spring. The pre-requisite courses and work for applicants who were intending to apply for the 2021/22 course will run in the New Year. This will be communicated directly to clubs, schools, colleges and universities, via EnglandRugby.com and social media channels.Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union Courses from Friday 1 JanuaryA new booking process is in place in which clubs will liaise directly with the tutors to organise courses, allowing for some local flexibility and better engagement between the club and the tutors.
Clubs/venues hosting a course will be required to ensure they can provide a Covid-safe environment. One-day closed events, i.e. all attendees are from the same club, and
held in a room booked for exclusive use that allows for appropriate social distancing to help mitigate risk of Covid transmission and reduce the additional cleaning, administration, etc. as per the RFU’s community club guidance and facility re-opening guidelines.
Please note that the ability for clubs to host courses and tutor availability may be affected by local/national government restrictions in place at the time of a course.First Aid CoursesNatWest Rugby Club Finance GuideFollowing the Natwest RugbyForce weekend in September, NatWest have produced The NatWest Rugby Club Finance Guide, which is a practical guide to help support your club.
The guide covers: creating a budget, looking at the bigger picture, boosting your income and a support toolkit and resources for long term sustainability.Read GuideWar
rior Camps returnThe successful Inner Warrior campaign will return in January, when we will encourage clubs to host a Warrior Camp to welcome players back into the club environment. Further information about how to sign up to host a Warrior Camp will be available in early December. In the meantime, get in touch via innerwarrior@rfu.com for advice and support.Key dates and where to watchWe are delighted to confirm that England Women’s Autumn Internationals against France will be shown live on BBC TV.
November:
14 – England Women v France Women (1.15pm) (Stade des Alpes, Grenoble) – BBC Two and BBC iPlayer
14 – England Men v Georgia Men (3pm) (Twickenham Stadium) – Amazon Prime
21 – England Women v France Women (12pm) (Twickenham Stadium) – BBC Two and BBC iPlayer
21 – England Men v Ireland Men (3pm) (Twickenham Stadium) – Amazon Prime and Channel 4
28 - Wales Men v England Men (4pm) (Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli)– Amazon Prime
December:
06 – England Men v TBC (Twickenham Stadium)
Distribution list: Tuesday 10 November
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers,
Club Presidents, Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, TreasurersCoronavirus (Covid-19) updateIn this week’s edition, we bring you an exciting opportunity to watch England Rugby for free in the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup, on Amazon Prime. We also share a new Sunday morning streamed activity to keep our age grade players active and connected with their clubs during the national lockdown.
We will mark Remembrance Day in a number of ways this week. A poppy has been painted on the training pitch at the Lensbury, where a one minute silence will be held at 11am tomorrow. In addition, both the England Men and England Women will wear poppies at their matches on Saturday 14 November to pay tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed to defend our nation and to secure our freedom.RFU HeadlinesHow your rugby communities can watch England's fixtures for free this autumnWe have been working with Amazon to provide an opportunity for fans to take advantage of a free one-month trial with Amazon Prime so you can watch England Rugby during the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup, while also supporting your club.
To help grassroots clubs generate revenue, Amazon are opening up registration for clubs to become Amazon Associates.
The club will receive £3 for every member of the community who signs up to Amazon through the club’s unique Associates link.
This money will be paid directly to the club and, while there may not be a huge cash injection, every little helps during these challenging times.
The registration process will take 5-10 minutes. We will share templates to help clubs promote this offer in the coming days. Click below to read the step by step guide.
If you want to see how the England squad have been preparing for the upcoming fixtures, watch the below episode of the Next Level, and please share the link on your channels.
We will advise clubs of the broadcaster for both fixtures in the Women’s Autumn Internationals in the November edition of Community Game Update on Friday ahead of England playing France in Grenoble on Saturday 14 November (KO 1.15pm), and then at Twickenham on Saturday 21 November (KO 12pm).Amazon GuideNext LevelCalling on age grade players to #GetYourShirtOnDespite the community club game being suspended due to the national lockdown, we want all our age grade players to stay active and connected with their clubs.
So, we will be starting weekly Sunday fitness and rugby activity live streams for U6s - U18s on the England Rugby YouTube channel throughout November. These sessions, led by England legends and experts, will include a mix of fun activities for all age grade players (and their parents!) to enjoy. We want everyone joining in wearing their club shirts and sharing their pride on social media using #GetYourShirtOn.
Keep an eye on the England Rugby social media channels for the build-up.England Rugby TwitterCommunity rugby - current statusDue to England being in national lockdown, we are at Stage A on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. This means that no competitive or formal rugby activities can be undertaken until at least Thursday 3 December, including club age grade and adult rugby activities below Championship and Premier 15s.
While group training sessions are banned, a maximum of two players (or one player and one coach) can participate in socially distanced (two metres plus), individual training sessions, without sharing equipment, in a public outside space, but not a garden.Government GuidanceRoadmapRugby in schools, colleges during national lockdown – Department for Education (DfE) ClarificationWe have been able to update our statement on school and college rugby following Government clarification last week as follows:
Schools and colleges are able to play rugby but must follow the DfE guidance for schools and FE settings. This has been further clarified here. In summary, this means:
• Rugby can be played as part of the curriculum, i.e. in PE and games lessons, timetabled activity during the school day and as part of courses, such as BTEC Diplomas in Sport and GCSE/A-Level PE.
• No extra-curricular rugby clubs, training and activities (outside of the DfE guidance on childcare provision for parents) or inter-school/college matches are permitted.
• Activity must continue to be played to the RFU Government-approved action plan, i.e. play the formats and follow off-field logistics as permitted before half term and lockdown (Ready4Rugby, O2Touch and limited contact training in approved group sizes).
We continue to encourage schools and colleges to provide rugby union for the health and wellbeing of their students during lockdown, in particular with community sport being unavailable. However, we also recognise that there are a large number of additional factors for Headteachers/Principals to consider and that it is ultimately their decision whether they can play in line with the Government guidance.
Further RFU resource, guidance and support is available below.DFE GuidanceR2R KitbagOther Important UpdatesTime’s running out to show club shirts at TwickenhamGiven the popularity of the initiative for clubs to have their shirts on seats at Twickenham during the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup, to help create a visual representation of clubs at the stadium, the deadline has been extended to the end of November.
We want to have as many club shirts as possible during the matches, particularly for the final fixture on Sunday 6 December. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your club involved!Show Your ShirtWebinars and PodcastsThe England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line
This podcast series is back with a new host, Dylan Hartley. The former England captain speaks to players from inside the England Men's and Women's camps. You can listen to the podcast below, and follow the stories on Twitter.
The following webinars will take place on Thursday 12 November:
10am - England Colleges Rugby Football Union Members Live Webinar
Join the ECRFU, RFU and AOC Sport live for the latest webinar, including interactive discussions on the college game and a live panel Q&A session. Register for the webinar.
7pm - Preparing, planning and dealing with severe wet weather and problem areas on your pitch
This Rugby Groundsmen Connected webinar gives ideas and tips that clubs can consider now, prior to the really wet weather hitting. It will include ideas and guidance on dealing with problem areas of pitches and offer some advice on what to do following heavy rain and intensely wet periods. Register for the webinar.
The following webinar is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday 17 November:
Exploring the Funding & Club Support Opportunities through Covid-19 Restrictions
This webinar will inform clubs about the potential funding and support available from Government, Sport England and England Rugby to help clubs through the Covid-19 restrictions. Register for the webinar.
The following webinar is scheduled for 10am on Thursday 19 November:
Students RFU Live Webinar – Keeping University Players Engaged
Join the SRFU RFU and BUCS live for the latest webinar, followed by an interactive session on keeping players engaged. Register for the webinar
You can see all our previous Coaching, Refereeing, and Club webinars online.England Rugby PodcastTwitter
Rugby communities doing great thingsLast week the rugby world remembered Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was also Head Coach at East Grinstead RFC.
In addition, we highlight the work undertaken by the Kings Cross Steelers over the last 25 years to help make rugby more inclusive.
We also wanted to say a big thank you to all our rugby clubs who have been helping to supply their local communities during this pandemic. This includes those who helped to provide free schools meals for children during the half term and a thank you also to those like Exeter College who have brought new players into the game.
As we head into the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup, we want to highlight the wonderful activities that our clubs and their teams are doing on our England Rugby channels, and also on the England Senior teams' news boards. This week we have recognised the Warrington U8s, you can see their message in the video below.
Why not send in your club’s news through England Rugby channels or via the email addresses below so we can recognise as many clubs as possible during the forthcoming games. Please share your stories and videos with chrisdodd@rfu.com or PatriciaMowbray@rfu.com.Matt RatanaWarrington
Distribution list: Thursday 5 November
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers,
Club Presidents, Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, TreasurersCoronavirus (Covid-19) update
RFU HeadlinesCommunity rugby - current statusEngland is now in national lockdown until Wednesday 2 December and all team sports have been suspended, including club age grade and adult rugby activities below Championship and Premier 15s.
With effect from today, we return to Stage A on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. This means that no competitive or formal rugby activities can be undertaken until at least Wednesday 2 December. While group training sessions are banned, a maximum of two players (or one player and one coach) can participate in socially distanced (two metres plus), individual training sessions in a public outside space, but not a garden, without sharing equipment. FAQ's from Sport England are available below.Government GuidanceFAQsClub facilitiesAlthough leisure and sports facilities must stay closed, clubhouses can remain open to provide take away, click and collect and food delivery services up until 10pm. They may also be used in other limited circumstances including:
- education and training (including for schools to use sports and leisure facilities where that is part of their normal provision)
- childcare purposes and supervised activities for children (i.e. parent and baby sessions or play groups)
- blood donations and food banks
- to provide medical treatment (i.e.. for flu vaccines or mobile testing centres)
- for elite sports persons (including indoor and outdoor sports facilities) – only if the facilities are used by Premiership, Championship or Premier 15s sides.
Please contact the Club Support Centre if you have any questions.Club Support CentreRugby in schools, colleges and universities during national lockdownFollowing the confirmation of Department for Education guidance on Wednesday 4 November, we can confirm what the national lockdown means for rugby in schools, colleges and universities.
University rugby is subject to the same restrictions as our community clubs, i.e it returns to Stage A on the Return to Rugby Roadmap until Wednesday 2 December.
Schools and colleges are able to play rugby but must follow the DfE guidance for schools and FE settings. In summary, this is:
• Rugby can only be played as part of the curriculum – i.e. in PE and games lessons and as part of courses, such as BTEC Diplomas in Sport and GCSE/A-Level PE
• Activity must continue to be played to the RFU government-approved action plan – i.e. play the formats and follow off-field logistics as permitted before half term and lockdown (Ready4Rugby, O2Touch and limited contact training in approved group sizes)
• No extra-curricular rugby clubs, training and activities or inter-school/college matches are permitted.
We believe there are major health and wellbeing benefits in schools and colleges providing rugby union and physical activity to their students during lockdown; in particular with community sport being unavailable. However, we also recognise that there are a large number of additional factors for Headteachers/Principals to consider and that the expertise they have developed in the last six months will ultimately guide their decision to play. Further RFU resource, guidance and support is available below.DFE GuidanceR2R KitbagRugby 365 updateAll Rugby 365 facilities will be closed until Wednesday 2 December. Customers and host clubs who had bookings have been contacted, and credits will be made for all cancellations. Please contact Rugby365 below if you have any enquiries.Contact Rugby365Other Important UpdatesRFU Training Courses for Coaches and Match OfficialsDue to the national lockdown, RFU coach and referee training courses planned for November and December have been pushed back to January and February 2021. Those who have booked will automatically be transferred to a new date and updated course details will be issued. We will also contact club venues to re-arrange dates.Watching rugby this AutumnThe national lockdown means that clubs cannot open their doors for members to watch the November Quilter Internationals 2020 matches, part of the Autumn Nations Cup. We are, therefore, in discussions with Amazon regarding a possible revenue generating offer for clubs. We will provide further details next week.
Also, next week we will advise clubs of the broadcaster for both fixtures in the Women’s Autumn Internationals as England face France at Twickenham and away in Grenoble.Webinars and PodcastsThe following webinars will take place on Thursday 12 November:
10am - Crowdfunding webinar
Could you successfully raise £60,133 with 519 supporters in 45 days? Hull Ionians have done so during the pandemic to save their clubhouse. Sign up to our Crowdfunding webinar below to find out exactly how you could benefit as a club.
10am - England Colleges Rugby Football Union Members Live Webinar
Join the ECRFU, RFU and AOC Sport live for the latest webinar, including interactive discussions on the college game and a live panel Q&A session. To sign up, please click below.
7pm - Preparing, planning and dealing with severe wet weather and problem areas on your pitch.
This Rugby Groundsmen Connected webinar gives ideas and tips that clubs can consider now, prior to the really wet weather hitting. It will include ideas and guidance on dealing with problem areas of pitches and offer some advice on what to do following heavy rain and intensely wet periods. Register for the webinar.
You can see all our previous Coaching, Refereeing, and Club webinars online.CrowdfundingECRFU Webinar
Distribution list: Tuesday 27 October
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers, Club Presidents, Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, Treasurers
Coronavirus (Covid-19) updateIn today’s edition, we provide advice and tips on Return4Rugby, Sport England funding and affected areas in the Covid-19 tier system and take the opportunity to look at the origins of ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’
With regard to showing the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup, Amazon has managed to secure a solution for pubs and clubs which we will be communicating with the game shortly once Amazon have finalised the detail. In the
meantime, England v Ireland on Saturday 21 November will be shown on Channel 4, which will be available to any club who has a TV license.
We will also be shortly announcing the broadcaster for both fixtures in the Women’s Autumn Internationals as England face France.
We are constantly working with Government to return to rugby but, as a reminder,
we are still at Stage D on the Roadmap, and RFU guidance, as well as Government Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidelines, must be followed. Local restriction powers lie with their local authorities and clubs need to check the latest position, as restrictions may change frequently over the coming weeks.
Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and resources.
Past editions of these weekly updates can be found on the website.RFU HeadlinesReturn4Rugby adviceBelow we have tips and guidance for training. Ho
wever, as we start to see matches take place there continues to be a real need to keep players safe. Any foul play incidents resulting in a red card will still involve the club adhering to the normal disciplinary process, including letting their CB know and arranging a club disciplinary hearing.
We have some ideas and tips for those delivering rugby in education and the age grade game, including some session plans and guidance on how to enthuse, support and stretch your players.Return4RugbyOther important updatesSport England Return to Play FundSport England have launched a new £16.5 million fund to give additional h
elp to the sport and physical activity sector during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Return to Play Fund will support groups, clubs and organisations, including rugby clubs, who have been impacted by restrictions. This will be split into three strands, Small Grants, Community Asset Funds and Active Together. You can find out if your club is eligible for support via the link below.Sport England FundRevised local lockdown restrictionsWe are advised that unless local restrictions specifically mention restrictions on team sports and/or rugby, clubs should follow the NGB guidelines. In all cases, clubs must conduct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with Covid-19 secure guidance.
Clubs can check what local restrictions are in place in their area.
Current nationwide rules will apply to areas in this tier. With regards to sporting activities in tier 1, exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors, or indoors if the rule of six is followed.
In tier 2, exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with, or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability
sport.
Sporting activities in tier 3 are the same as tier 2 areas, although additional measures agreed with local authorities could include the closing of venues such as leisure centres and gyms, while ensuring provision remains available for elite athletes, youth and disabled sport and physical activity.
With Covid-19 rates rising, keeping players, coaches and support staff safe is vital.
Our Club Hub offers PPE to support the game. Find out how to register and see the product guide.
We will provide an update to the game if there is any change in guidance to playing rugby union. You can read more information about what you need to know about the Government’s local Covid-19 alert levels.Rule Of SixArea Tier InfoTest and trace and handling of Covid-19 positive testsClubs are reminded of the need to have a Test & Trace system in place. You can find out more about NHS Test & Trace below, or read about
Howdens Test and Trace here.
In the event of positive tests occuring within a club, including retrospective cases, each case should be registered via the Positive Test Notification Form, which can be accessed on the link below. This information is requested to allow us to monitor the number of confirmed positive Covid-19 tests occurring in clubs and to ensure that clubs have the
appropriate support.NHS Test & TraceNotification FormWebinars and PodcastsWatch Sarah Hunter with Irwin Mitchell's Mentoring Club below, as well as the lastest episode of the England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line.
You can see all our previous Coaching, Refereeing, and Club webinars online.O2 Inside LineSarah HunterThe Story of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'This week saw the release of the educational documentary on the origins of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'.
It explains the story and the meaning behind the song, describes how it became associated with rugby, reflects on the views of players past and present and allo
ws fans to make up their own minds about its use.Swing LowRugby communityToday we are asking you to vote for two inspiring women, Kate Nicholls of Witney Rugby Club and Zainab Alema of Barnes RFC, both shortlisted for The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year 2020.
Alongside this, Dom Palacio and Richmond Rugby are supplying local children with free school meals during half-term.
In addition to clubs helping their communities, we are now highlighting on englandrugby.com clubs’ self-help initiatives, as well as activities to improve diversity and inclusion at clubs and stories from around the game.
Please share your stories and videos with chrisdodd@rfu.com or PatriciaMowbray@rfu.com.Inspiring WomenFree School Meals
Distribution list: Tuesday 20 October
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers,Club Presidents, Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, Treasurers
Coronavirus (Covid-19) updateIn today’s edition we update on the restart of training courses for 2020/2021, highlight new Sport England Funding, affected areas in the
Covid-19 tier system, wearing of gloves by players and guidance on fireworks.
We are constantly working with Government to return to rugby but as a reminder that we are still at Stage D on the Roadmap, and RFU guidance, as well as Government Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidelines, must be followed. Local restriction powers l
ie with their local authorities and clubs need to check the latest position, as restrictions may change frequently over the coming weeks.
Please visit our dedicated web portal on the England Rugby website to access coronavirus information and resources.
Past editions of these weekly updates can be found on the website.RFU HeadlinesResumption of England Rugby Training CoursesWe intend to resume England Rugby Training courses from November. Coaches and referees working with Kids
F
irst Rugby age groups and those new to contact rugby will start first, with Player Welfare and Award courses shortly afterwards.
This webinar explains how we intend to implement the training programme, with resources to share with clubs, education and referee societies. It also outlines the pla
ns for the 2020/21 England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (formerly Level 3 Coa
ching) course.
Courses will be available to book through the online course booking system, and you can also find a range of free webinar and eLearning courses below.
Digital coaching and refereeing resources can be found on our Keep Your Boots On YouTube channel.
Courses will only run where it is safe to do so, following local and national guidance from Public Health England and practical activities on courses aligning with the RFU guidanceBook CoursesWebinarsOther important updatesSport England Return to Play FundSport England have today released a new £16.5 million fund to give additional help to the sport and physical activity sector during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The Return to Play Fund will support groups, clubs and organisations who have been impacted by restrictions. This will be split into three strands, Small Grants, Community Asset Funds and Active Together. You can find out if your club is eligible for support via the link below.Sport England FundPlayers wearing glovesAs the weather gets colder we understand players will want to wear gloves. We have updated our guidance. Our advice is that they are changed for a different pair at least every 15 minutes. Players wearing gloves cannot effectively sanitise the gloves' surface, increasing the risk of infection and transmission. The key way to reduce the risk of infection and transmission during rugby activity is through regular sanitising of hands.Revised local lockdown restrictionsWe are advised that unless local restrictions specifically mention restrictions on team sports and/or rugby, clubs should follow the NGB guidelines. In all cases, clubs must cond
uct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with Covid-19 secure guidance.
Clubs can check what local restrictions are in place in their area.
Current nationwide rules will apply to areas in this tier. With regards to sporting activities in tier 1, exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place
outdoors, or indoors if the rule of six is followed.
With regards to sporting activities in tier 2,exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possibl
e for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport.
Areas in this tier are included on the below button which details which areas are in Tiers 2 and 3.
With regards to sporting activities in tier 3, it is the same as for tier 2 areas, although additional measures agreed with local authorities could include the closing of venu
es such as leisure centres and gyms whilst ensuring provision remains available for elite athletes, youth and disabled sport and physical activity.
Areas in this tier are included on the below button which details which areas are in tiers 2 and 3.
We will provide an update to the game if there is any change in guidance to play
ing rugby union. You can read more information about what you need to know about the Government’s local Covid-19 alert levels.Rule Of SixArea Tier InfoTest and trace and handling of Covid-19 positive testsClubs are reminded of the need to have a Test & Trace system in place. You can find out more about NHS Test & Trace below, or read about Howdens Test and Trace here.
In the event of positive tests occuring within a club, including retrospective cases, each case should be registered via the Positive Test Notification Form, which can be accessed on the link below. This information is requested to allow us to monitor the number of confirmed positive Covid-19 tests occurring in clubs and to ensure that clubs have the appropriate support.NHS Test & TraceNotification FormLatest WebinarsOur lates
t club webinar on demand is Understanding Corporation Tax where we look at how corporation tax applies to rugby clubs. It includes what income is taxable, what reliefs are available and how clubs can comply. Click below to watch the webinar, as well as Irwin Mitchell's webinar covering good club guidance.
You can see all our previous Coaching, Refereeing, and Club webinars online.Corporation TaxClub GuidanceFireworks – Covid-19 and insurance requirementsAt this time of year, many clubs would normally be planning their annual bonfire and fireworks event. If you are considering going ahead with an event this year, you will need to consider the COVID-19 risk as well as the risk assessment of your
bonfire and fireworks display itself. Outdoor events can continue, but to be insured you must be able to comply with both COVID-19 guidance, which you can read below, and also the insurer’s usual safety requirements, which are also below. If you are unable to comply with the guidance you should not proceed with your event.Covid-19 GuidanceInsurer's RequirementsRugby communityToday we’ve highlighted much loved seven-year-old rugby hero Patryk Milner from Sandbach RUFC, missed by all who knew him and whose organs have saved three lives.
In addition to clubs helping their communities, we are now highlighting on englandrugby.com clubs’ self-help initiatives, as well as activities to improve diversit
y and inclusion at clubs and stories from around the game.
Distribution list: Friday 16 October
Constituent Bodies Chairs, Constituent Bodies Honorary Secretaries, Constituent Bodies Treasurers, Club Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, Treasurers
Community Game Update – October 2020Content:1. Viewing the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup
2. Show your club shirt at Twickenham
3. Changes to RFU Regulations
4. Response to World Rugby Transgender Guidence
5. Guidance on players wearing gloves
6. Allianz supporting the women’s game
7. Rugby Development team update
8. England Schools membership 2020-21 season
9. Nominate your club’s Unsung Hero in BBC Sports Personality of Year awards
Welcome to the October 2020 Community Game Update. We hope you find the update useful, and if you have any feedback, queries or content that you would like to feature, please email Chris Dodd, Communications Executive (chrisdodd@rfu.com).
Our communications to you are based on the data held in the Game Management System (GMS). To ensure you receive the communications that you want to f
rom the RFU, please check the information held on this system is up to date and active. In addition, if you know of a colleague who should be receiving these updates, but isn’t, please help them to check their details on GMS.
This communication is only sent to the roles highlighted in the distribution list above. Please share it with others in your club who need to see it.ShareViewing the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations CupThe countdown is on fo
r the start of the Quilter Internationals 2020, part of the Autumn Nations Cup. We are actively working with Amazon on a solution for as many clubs as possible to show the matches in their clubhouse. Further details will be announced shortly. Please note that the Quilter International, England v Ireland on Saturday 21 November will be on Channel 4.
As a reminder, the Quilter Cup: England v Barbarians match on Sunday 25 October is on Sky Sports, the conclusion of the Guinness Six Nations 2020 is on BBC and ITV on the Saturday 31 October and Italy v England in the Women’s Six Nations 2020 on Sunday 1 November is on Sky Sports.Show your club shirtYou may not be able to take your seat at Twickenham this autumn but our clubs and CBs can. We want you to send us on
e of your shirts to fill a seat at Twickenham as England compete in the Quilter Internationals as part of the Autumn Nations Cup. We want to create a visual representation of all our member clubs and CBs standing together at this time. It’s quick, easy and free to send your team’s shirt in.
We are working with a delivery partner to provide you with free postage, so more details on this and guidelines will be sent out shortly.
By sending your shirt in, you will also be entered into a draw to win 1 of 10 signed England shirts for your club or CB.
Join us and show your shirt this autumn at Twickenham.Changes to RFU Regulation
sA summary is below highlighting the key changes to the Regulations for the 2020-21 season. As a reminder, the regulations in full can be accessed through RFU Regulations.Read ChangesResponse to World Rugby Transgender GuidanceThe RFU along with other nations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA has not chosen t