Local lockdown guidelines

Clubs are reminded that the powers around local restrictions lie with their local authorities. We are advised that unless local restrictions specifically mention restrictions on team sports and/or rugby, clubs should follow the NGB guidelines.

Clubs may need to limit their activities in line with any local restrictions and all are advised to consult with the local authority in which their facilities are located should they be in any doubt. Information regarding any new local lockdown restrictions will be posted on the Government website below. We will provide an update to the game if there is any change in guidance to playing rugby union. You can read more information on the Government local lockdown updates.

The following local restrictions are currently in place:

Clubs in Leicester City are currently restricted to groups of no more than six in socially distanced activity and hence must remain at Stage B on the Return to Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. Read the Leicester City detailed guidance.

In Northampton, an outbreak of Covid-19 has been identified at certain Greencore factories. Any club member who has undertaken work in affected areas listed in the guidance at any point since Friday 7 August 2020, and the people they live with (or have formed a support bubble with), should self-isolate at home for two weeks and should not visit a rugby club. Read the Northampton detailed guidance.

Currently, all clubs in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, Preston, and West Yorkshire can continue to operate at Stage C on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap as the Government website makes it clear that sports that have action plans approved by Government may continue to operate as per NGB guidelines. Read the North of England guidance.

It is important that clubs in Blackburn with Darwen, Oldham and Pendle read local authority guidance as different restrictions may apply, depending on the location of a rugby club. Read the Government guidance.

From tomorrow, Wednesday 26 August, local restrictions in the following parts of Blackburn with Darwen will be lifted and clubs in the following areas can operate at Stage C on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap:

Blackburn South & Lower Darwen, Blackburn South East, Darwen East, Darwen South, Darwen West, Ewood, Livesey with Pleasington, Mill Hill & Moorgate, West Pennine.

However, additional restrictions have been introduced in the following areas of Blackburn with Darwen, Oldham and Pendle which mean that residents should not socialise with people that they do not live with. Therefore, no rugby activity should take place outside of your own family bubble until local authority advice changes

Blackburn with Darwen – (areas affected): Audley & Queen’s Park, Bastwell & Daisyfield, Billinge & Beardwood, Blackburn Central, Little Harwood & Whitebirk, Roe Lee, Shear Brow & Corporation Park, Wensley Fold.
Oldham – (whole area)
Pendle – (whole area subject to wider restrictions, but the following parts have additional restrictions): Whitefield, Walverden, Southfield, Bradley, Clover Hill, Brierfield, Marsden.

Please see local authority guidance below:

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Oldham Council
Pendle Borough Council