Dry weather delays England community rugby season, RFU says

The Rugby Football Union has delayed the start of the competitive community season across England until September ​21 because of concerns over player welfare and ‌pitch conditions following prolonged dry weather, the governing body said on Friday.

After consulting representatives from across the country and reviewing options ​with competition committees, the RFU said no competitive matches ​in men's leagues from Regional 1 and below, ⁠or in women's leagues below Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) level, ​will be played before September 21.

The governing body said ​unusually dry conditions with no forecast of lengthy spells of rain had left many pitches hard and unsuitable for safe full-contact rugby, ​increasing the risk of injuries to players.

"We know this ​decision will be disappointing for clubs, schools, colleges, players, volunteers and supporters ‌who ⁠were eagerly anticipating the start of the season, and we do not underestimate the impact it will have across the game," RFU president Bill Beaumont said in a ​statement.

"This has been ​a carefully ⁠considered decision. After listening to views from across the community game and weighing up ​the options available to us, we believe ​that delaying ⁠the start of the competitive season nationwide is the right course of action."

The RFU said training sessions could continue ⁠during ​the postponement period, provided clubs carry ​out pitch safety assessments before every session.

-Reuters