Important current context – 14 August 2026
Since this protocol was developed, England Rugby has announced a delay to the start of much of the competitive community rugby season until the week commencing 21 September, citing player welfare concerns associated with hard, dry pitches and the impact these conditions have had on preparation for full-contact rugby.
Link to England Rugby statement
The announcement does not automatically prevent all school rugby or friendly fixtures. England Rugby specifically notes that friendly matches may take place where local conditions, player readiness and safety allow, following an appropriate risk assessment.
However, the underlying considerations are clearly relevant to schools. England Rugby states that many pitches are currently hard and unsuitable for safe full-contact activity and highlights particular concern around the opening weeks of the season, when players are returning to full contact and may have had limited opportunities to prepare because of ground conditions.
We would therefore recommend that schools take a particularly cautious approach to competitive or full-contact activity during the current period. Where a school is considering proceeding with a full-contact fixture, this should be supported by a thorough local risk assessment considering both the suitability of the playing surface and the readiness of the players for full-contact rugby.
Training can continue where appropriate, with activity modified according to the pitch assessment. England Rugby specifically recommends reducing player-to-ground exposure while continuing to develop contact skills, including greater use of ACTIVATE, body-management and tracking work, wrestling/grappling, and reducing repeated tackle-to-ground practices, rucks and other activities involving frequent ground contact.
This covering note reflects the current position and should be read alongside the Meliora Hard Ground Protocol and Quick Reference Guide.
