2021 Lions Tour and Six Nations could be played behind closed doors

While Leo Varadkar’s annoucnement last Friday acknowledged that close contact sports like Rugby could resume on August 10, World Rugby have released their own return to Rugby Guidelines.

While they did not say that crowds will not be allowed to return to stadia until a vaccine is found, there is a possibility that that decision will be made as this progresses further.

Speaking about their guidelines, World Rugby Chief Medical Officer and guideline co-author Dr. Eanna Falvey outlined how return to play protocols will differ around the world as they are to comply with local rulings.

“Efforts to return to play will differ around the world with player welfare our number one priority. Our return tot play guidelines ensure that primarily the safety of players and staff is paramount. Return to play guidelines must comply with government and local health guidelines”

“We have been working in full collaboration with unions, regions, competitions and players in preparing a set of guidelines that are WHO compliant in a rugby context. “

“They outline all the necessary considerations and steps for players, coaches, clubs, unions and competitions and will be updated regularly as the advice and environment evolves. 

“Initial feedback has been extremely positive, and it is certainly prudent that we have a standardised and ready-to-mobilise approach when it is safe and appropriate to resume steps towards playing in the context of easing social-distancing measures.”

Listen to Falvey in full here at the World Rugby website.