The National Clubs Association would like to provide a reminder of the Tier implications for our clubs following the Government’s announcement that the majority of the country has now moved into Tiers 3 and 4. (Photo Credit: Francis Morris)

Please see below for guidance on what you can and cannot do in each Tier. It is crucial that all of our clubs adhere to Tier and Covid-19 guidance until we reach a stage where restrictions can gradually be lifted:

  • Clubs in Tier 3 can still play rugby according to Stage E on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. Please remember, it is not mandatory to play 15-a-side adapted contact fixtures, however it is an option for clubs who wish to do so.
  • Clubs in a Tier 4 area should cancel any upcoming adult training/fixtures.

Adult Rugby

  • Adult players living in Tier 3 can only travel within their own specific Tier 3 area to train or play. (See link at bottom of article for Government website areas)
  • Adult players living in Tier 3 cannot travel into another Tier 3 area (or other Tiers) to train or play (which includes their own club if it is in a different geographic area).
  • Adult rugby is not permitted in Tier 4.

NCA Chairman John Inverdale commented: “My instinct is that it doesn’t materially affect the time scale of when National League clubs might return to action.

“We have an NCA executive meeting on the day after the next tier review [January 14th] and we’ve learnt over the past few months that acting in haste is the wrong response to such a volatile situation.

“We are constantly considering all options for the NCA Cup, because the overwhelming majority of our members want the competition to take place.”

We will update you when we receive further information from Government and the RFU.

More details

  • Government advice on sports activity in Tier 4 areas is here.
  • For any queries, please visit the RFU’s Helpdesk FAQs on our Club Support page here.
  • Resources are also available on our Coronavirus Hub here.
  • If you are unsure on what tier you are currently in or will be going into, you can find it using the Government website here (Each bullet point listed on the Government website represents each specific area.)