Several clubs have expressed concern that pitch conditions have meant that players are currently unable
to prepare adequately for contact in league matches. This is the fourth time in five seasons that this issue
has occurred, with the added challenge that pitches may be determined as unfit for play on opening
weekend 12th September for the Regional and Counties Leagues. In order that we can manage and
mitigate any impact on the league programme, the following protocol should be followed.
1) Clubs at Regional & Counties levels:
a) Where fixtures are scheduled for Week 2 (Sept 12th), clubs should advise their opposition and
their league secretary of any concerns by Noon on Friday 4th September 2026, one week ahead
of the fixture.
b) The League Secretary will advise clubs of the following options:
• If either club has concern over player welfare (insufficient contact training) then the
match can be postponed to the Next Available Weekend (NAW).
• If both clubs are satisfied their players are ‘contact ready’ and if the home club has
concerns over pitch conditions, which are unlikely to change significantly, they should
approach the away club to determine if switching the fixture is possible. Such request to
be discussed with league secretary by Noon on Friday 4th September.
• If there are no concerns over contact preparedness but neither pitch is fit to play, then
clubs should seek alternative pitch or AGP to fulfil fixture. This is by agreement between
clubs and if no agreement then match is postponed to NAW.
• At all times the league secretary MUST be advised and involved in the discussion.
2) Fixtures that go down on Saturday 12th September will go over to Saturday 10th October which
now reverts from a break weekend to a NAW.
The situation will be reviewed later in August and further guidance for Saturday 19th September
and beyond will be issued if appropriate.
3) Please note clubs can also gain access to the RFU AGPs by contacting Rugby365@rfu.com. The map
via the link below shows the locations of the RFU AGPs should anyone require it. It is fully appreciated
not all clubs are local to these sites, but RFU will do their upmost to accommodate any requests.
https://www.englandrugby.com/run/club-management/facilities/booking-agp
4) Please contact your League Secretary in the first instance if you require any further information.
02 Aug 26
