Update: Adult club league fixtures 15 & 16 January 2022

Last week, in response to the continued rise in Covid numbers over the festive period, Scottish Rugby took the decision to allow clubs to postpone the scheduled adult club league fixtures across 8 & 9 January.

Following discussion with President Ian Barr and Vice President Colin Rigby, with input from senior colleagues across Scottish Rugby a decision has been made to extend the postponement waiver into the weekend of 15 & 16 January.

Gavin Scott, Director of Rugby Development, said: “Whilst training and playing rugby are still considered a low-risk activity from the guidance we have received from the Scottish Government and public health experts, we again feel that the right thing to do is give clubs the option to reschedule fixtures this weekend, penalty free.

“Although most clubs took advantage of last week’s waiver, a number of adult fixtures – including friendlies – as well as youth games, took place across the country. I know many people braved the weather and enjoyed watching fixtures in Lasswade, Inverness, Currie, Dunfermline, Dunbar, Glasgow and Dundee.

“There remains a strong appetite to play and train across the country, and we feel it is important to try to find a balance between the benefits of getting out and enjoying our sport and our responsibilities to wider society during the current rise in Covid numbers.

“Clubs that have travel concerns may postpone their planned league fixture for this weekend and apply, to the relevant competition committee, to replace that league fixture with another league fixture that had been scheduled for later in the season, which would involve less travel. Clubs may also wish to consider playing a non-competition friendly with a local club.

“Clubs should consult with their opposition on whether to go ahead with this week’s planned fixture. The fixture may take place if both clubs agree that they wish to proceed. To take advantage of the waiver for this weekend and to reschedule the fixture, clubs should inform the relevant committee secretary by e-mailing [email protected].

“I again would like to thank all supervising the competitions and match officials for their help to facilitate such arrangements. We intend to advise what league fixtures clubs decide to play this weekend by Friday.”

Youth, school and mini-rugby can take place utilising the current Return to Rugby guidance and risk assessment process:

Scottish Rugby will continue to monitor the situation carefully and will update clubs next week regarding fixtures scheduled for next weekend (22 & 23 January).

Photo credit: Phil Downie