Updated guidance on Return to Rugby Framework following temporary lockdown

8 Jan 2021

On 5 January 2021 mainland Scotland moved from Level 4 to a temporary lockdown, with new guidance to stay at home except for essential purposes. The Scottish Government temporary lockdown restrictions apply to all mainland areas, including Skye. Some island areas remain in Scottish Government Level 3.

Following consultation and approval from the Scottish Government, Scottish Rugby has produced guidance to support tackling the spread of Covid-19 and advice on what rugby activity is permitted.

At this time, we would encourage everyone to stay at home as much as possible and maintain daily, outdoor physical activity within the Scottish Government temporary lockdown guidance of no more than two people from two households.

In line with Scottish Government guidance all group rugby activity must stop for people aged 12 and above. Individual, physically distanced, outdoor exercise can continue with no more than two people per 1/4 pitch. Equipment sharing (inc. balls) is not permitted.

Following Scottish Government guidance, children under the age of 12 living under the temporary lockdown restrictions are permitted to participate in physically distanced group activity in groups of up to 15 people, including two coaches. It has been approved that up to two coaches may be present for safeguarding purposes, which is deemed essential for this activity to go ahead. Balls may be used and shared as long as strict hand hygiene and ball cleaning is followed.

Island areas which remain in Scottish Government Level 3 and can continue rugby activity with the Scottish Rugby Return to Rugby Level 3 guidance.

Participants, of all ages, living under the temporary lockdown restrictions cannot travel out of their local authority area to take part in rugby activity.

Scottish Rugby recommends that clubs consult with players, volunteers, parents and careers regarding whether club activities – on and off pitch – should continue or cease until government restrictions are eased.

Clubs who choose to continue any activity under the new restrictions should ensure that all activities are fully risk assessed, and mitigating actions are in place. Particular attention should be paid to the movement of people within the facilities, ensuring that people do not congregate or mix indoors. At all times strict hygiene procedures should be in place for anyone involved in club activities, and physical distancing must be maintained at all times.

Scottish Rugby will continue to review the Return to Rugby guidance in line with updates from the Scottish Government.

Click here to view all Return to Rugby updates and supporting documents.