Premier 15s clubs set for return to Stage 1 Training

Premier 15s clubs can now return to stage one of training which will allow individual conditioning in a performance environment with strict social distancing maintained at all times.

The decision follows after a discussion between club coaching staff,?RFU and club medical teams and the Government.

However, the stage 1 prevents players from contact training.

The clubs are entitled to give written declarations to the Rugby Football Union that includes

• All players and support staff must undertake an Education Module which will inform a formal "opt in" process for return to training.
• Confirmation of the appointment of both a Covid-19 Manager and Covid-19 Medical Lead.
• Clear guidance regarding cleaning and hygiene standards for training facilities.
• The provision of?Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the setting.
• Confirmation of medical screening for players and support staff, which involves the completion of a symptom checklist and temperature check before entering the training facility.

England's contracted players will take part in stage one training by 31st July following which they will return to their respective clubs.

"We’re pleased to confirm Premier 15s teams are able to return to stage one training once they have satisfied the relevant requirements to start," said the RFU’s head of women’s performance Nicky Ponsford.

“We have been in regular and detailed dialogue with all clubs and taken on board individual circumstances.

“After a four-month lockdown period, players need to return to a good training environment to push forward in their physical development.

“Getting clubs back to training and the league up and running is a big priority. Stage one is the first step and we know we need to be flexible given the evolving nature of COVID-19.

“A lot of work has been carried out between the RFU, clubs and wider rugby stakeholders to reach this point and plans to progress to the next stage are being worked through.

"The welfare of the players and staff is our only priority, and we thank clubs for their continued co-operation.

“We’re also holding our annual CPD event with clubs virtually throughout this week. There’s been some great discussion and engagement so far and it’s fantastic to be able to connect and start to look forward to next season.”