Rugby Update

We are currently at Stage D1 on the RFU Community Game Return to Rugby Roadmap and will not be playing any games under the diluted format suggested by the RFU.

We will therefore now begin preparing for the 2021-2022 season.  Training will be every Thursday night in April at Cinderford RFC commencing 1st April, the squad will then break for May.  Training will then re-commence every Thursday in June at Cinderford RFC.  We should be allowed to do contract training in the tackle and ruck situation at this stage.

If the easing of lockdown restrictions stays on schedule and the Government’s Stage 4 plan of easing all restrictions comes to fruition on June 21st then it should be all systems go.  The RFU should then move the Roadmap to F and contact around the scrum and maul would also be allowed.  This being the case we will then begin Tuesday training at St Peter’s School on Tuesday 29th June and continue Thursday training at Cinderford RFC. The 2021-2022 season should also be on schedule to start on September 4th.

The club are in the process of preparing a full list of pre-season fixtures for August and need to re-integrate the players to full rugby gradually, therefore will be looking at pre-season games on Saturday the 7th, 14th and 21st August, plus two fixtures under the “new” lights at Cinderford RFC on Thursday’s 19th and 26th. These fixtures should be revealed shortly and will involve large squads as we gradually build the players back up to 80-minute rugby fitness.

Paul Morris, DOR