We're nearly two weeks through the 2nd Lockdown and will not know if community games will be able to resume after December 2nd. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Here is the RFL's official statement:

New Covid-19 restrictions come into force nationwide from Thursday 5 November. This means that all Community Game activity* will be suspended until at least Wednesday 2 December.

*For the avoidance of doubt this includes:

• Adult Open age: Men’s & Women’s
• Youth & Junior RL: Boys’ & Girls’
• Inclusive RL formats: Physical Disability RL; Learning Disability RL & Wheelchair RL
• Social formats: Masters RL, Touch RL, Try Tag Rugby & X-League.

If the lockdown is lifted on 2 December, existing social RL activities that have been formally notified to the RFL will then be reviewed to allow planning for a safe and Covid-19 secure resumption.

Assuming we also then revert back to the government’s tiered alert levels (1, 2 or 3 depending on geography), the RFL’s Action Plan states that no Stage 4 training or match activity should take place during December.

Our aim is to ensure that Community Rugby League activity recommences in January 2021, with the return of formal competitions scheduled for April as we build up to the Rugby League World Cup.

To help clubs keep all players, and especially younger ones, active and connected to their clubs, 'Virtual Club' activities will again be freely available online. These include physical activity sessions and mental wellbeing resources. Further information can be found on the RFL website HERE. 

Our Participation and Development team will continue to support community clubs directly with club sustainability work, such as ensuring that clubs can access grant funding and any other support available. If you have any questions on grant funding, please email National Clubs Manager John McMullen: John.McMullen@rfl.uk.com

We would like to thank everyone across the community game – volunteers, club and league administrators, players, coaches, match officials, foundations, parents and carers – for their considerable efforts during recent months. Although the time has been short, the effort has been worth it for those moments of joy returning to players’ faces. 

However, it is vital to note, we have only got this far due to this outstanding commitment and compliance of clubs following the government approved guidelines. It is now as important as ever to make sure we adhere and follow the new government guidelines. So once better days return, we can start again in earnest to make 2021 a significant year.

The RFL remains in dialogue with the DCMS, leagues and competitions and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ rugby league in England following the debate in the House of Commons tomorrow in due course. 

The UK Government has confirmed that school sport can continue as an exemption during this period; schools are advised to follow the guidelines shared by the Education team. "

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