The RFU has confirmed to Sport in Staffs that no date has been set regarding the return of rugby in Staffordshire and the rest of the country ahead of the 2020/21 season.
The 2019/20 domestic season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic, with league positions from the Championship down being decided by a “best playing record formula.”
This meant among many other final standings, Staffordshire side Uttoxeter were crowned Midlands 3 West champions and gained promotion while fellow county outfit Newcastle managed to narrowly evade relegation from Midlands 2 West (North).
The general feeling within the rugby community is that it is likely that the game will be one of the last sports to return to action, due to the close-contact nature of it, especially at recreational level.
Now, the RFU has told Sport in Staffs that there is still no official date that the sports body is targeting for rugby to return, stating that any step towards this would depend on UK Government guidelines.
A spokesperson for the RFU said: “With the regards to fixtures for the 2020/21 season, the RFU has a dedicated team working on restarting competition for the new season.
“However, as it stands there is no definitive start date. Ultimately, the RFU will be directed by government advice regarding the re-start of community sports and required social distancing measures.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday (May 28) that from June 1 up to six people from different households can meet outdoors, including private gardens, provided a two-metre distance is kept.
Many sporting authorities have already indicated that they are looking into how they may be able to resume their respective sport’s activities following this news.
The RFU’s statement to Sport in Staffs was given prior to Mr Johnson’s speech.
As of Friday morning (May 29), the RFU had made no further update regarding the return on rugby activity in England.
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