The latest lockdown announcement has proved particularly frustrating for local rugby clubs, as the sport is now back at the beginning of their Return to Community Rugby Roadmap.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) set out a detailed roadmap during the first lockdown last year, with six clear steps that culminated in the final stage of a restoration to full-contact competitive rugby.
Local clubs were just one step away from that ultimate goal but now return to the first stage, which obviously means that all adult and age grade rugby training and fixtures must stop.
As it stands, the RFU are hoping for a restart on the roadmap in March, with the second stage allowing exercise within a small group (maximum six people).
The roadmap then progresses to exercise with a larger group and limited contact before moving on to whole team training, preparation for matches and, finally, a proper game of rugby.
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