Update: Adult club league fixtures 8 & 9 January 2022

The information below was shared with Clubs & Schools via Club Communications on Tuesday 4 January.

Given the continued rise in Covid numbers over the festive period – topping 20,000 positive cases yesterday – Scottish Rugby has taken the decision to allow clubs to postpone their scheduled adult club league fixtures this weekend (8 & 9 January).

The decision was taken last night following feedback from clubs, discussion with President Ian Barr and Vice President Colin Rigby, and to remain consistent with Scottish Rugby’s desire throughout the pandemic that the wellbeing of the rugby community is paramount.

In addition to the rise in Covid cases, the subsequent impact on numbers of people self-isolating and potential strains on travel and changing-room usage were also factors in the decision.

Gavin Scott, Director of Rugby Development, said: “This has been a tough decision as we try to find a balance between looking out for each other and our responsibilities to wider society during the current rise in Covid numbers and, at the same time, not being overly dogmatic.

“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, so, as part of that balance, what we are saying to clubs today is you can still train and play this weekend, as long as you ensure any activity is in line with our current Return to Rugby measures and Scottish Government guidance.

“In the event that clubs, on consultation with each other, decide that they would prefer that their fixture was rescheduled to a later date, they may take advantage of a blanket waiver that allows that rescheduling to happen with no penalty imposed on either team. To take advantage of this the clubs should inform the relevant committee secretary by e-mailing [email protected].

“I 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.”

Meanwhile, 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 (15 & 16 January).

Photo credit: (George Vekic)