Oakmeadians RFC

COVID 19 - UPDATE                    05.01.21

Following Government’s national lockdown announcement to counter the steep rise in Covid-19 infections, all community rugby activity in England is suspended until further notice.
In line with current Government policy, all adult and age grade rugby training and fixtures must stop. This means we return to Stage A on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap for all players. Outdoor organised sport for disabled people is allowed to continue.

We will update as soon as we have further information.

Oakmeadians RFC

COVID-19 RETURN TO RUGBY POLICY AND GUIDANCE 2020 (Version 6) 2.12.2020

These are truly unprecedented times and Oakmeadians RFC is committed to return to rugby through all age groups and sections when it is safe for everyone to do so. Government guidelines are changing from week to week, with the easing of the 2nd lockdown training is now a possibility as long as we take care and follow all the health and safety guidance. The following procedure is a working document and can change at any time. Oakmeadians RFC has taken advice from RFU government and local council.

For now the clubhouse is open and fully compliant with COVID-19 regulations. Unfortunately our bar will remain closed for the time being. However, we are serving takeaway drinks and food and operating a one-way system. Masks must be worn in the clubhouse at all times.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) welcomes the news that Government has given its approval for 15-a-side contact rugby union to return at grassroots level, subject to adaptations. 

This comes after extensive research and consultations with Government into mitigating the risks of close contact. By using law variations, this will limit the risk of prolonged face-to-face contact, allowing the community game to resume (everything below the Greene King IPA Championship and Allianz Premier 15s). 

Clubs will be able to begin adapted training from Wednesday 2nd December in preparation for local friendly fixtures recommencing from Friday 18th December when the following law variations will come into effect: 

• There will be no scrums or mauls in the game. 
• Instead of a scrum, the game will begin with a free kick. This free kick cannot be taken quickly. 
• A minimum of five and a maximum of seven players from each team are required to form a lineout. 
• A team awarded a penalty or free kick will no longer be able to choose a scrum option. 
• A team awarded a penalty or free kick at a lineout can instead choose another lineout at the same mark. 

There is no obligation for players and clubs to play 15-a-side adaptations. Clubs will still be able to play Ready4Rugby matches up until and beyond 18th December. 

Adapted Stage E rules/laws for Age Grade Rugby have also been approved for Under 7-13s and Under 14-18s. The move to Stage E will allow the recommencing of Tag Rugby for U7s and U8s. 

Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed schools/colleges can return to playing sport in line with approved National Governing Body action plans. 

Go to our dedicated COVID-19 page for further details

If you have any questions regarding our COVID-19 procedure or need more information on the subject, please contact,