After the disruptions of the pandemic, this enables players to continue to re-engage with rugby throughout the summer months if they wish, and to safely build their readiness to play full contact rugby from Saturday 4 September.

To support this, the Summer Activity Framework already includes provision for friendly matches to be played under adapted contact laws during August. These can start from 7 August, following a period of development in training sessions from Monday 19 July.

This enables scrums and mauls to be reintroduced in a controlled way in friendlies and helps players who have not yet played them, particularly at U14-U16, the chance to experience these key elements of full contact rugby.

More detailed communication will follow on adapted contact laws for Age Grade friendlies.

Monday 19 July

From Monday 19 July, scrum and maul progressions can be included in the defined training times shown in the framework.

XRugby can continue to be played through the rest of July in friendlies (without scrum or mauls).

Saturday 7 August – Saturday 4 September

Adapted contact laws may begin in Age Grade friendlies from Saturday 7 August.

XRugby and non-contact can also continue in friendly matches.

Saturday 4 September

Full contact 15-a-side matches permitted.

Timings for RFU national age grade competitions remain as previously communicated:

W/c 13 Sept - U18s Schools Cup
W/c 27 Sept - U15s Schools Cup
W/c 4 Oct - U18 Boys Age Grade Cup
W/c 11 Oct- U18s/U15s Girls Age Grade Cup