The IRFU has published a roadmap for a return to rugby in their clubs and will issue more detailed guidelines on Friday.
A statement from Irish rugby's governing body said that the objective of the roadmap is to provide high-level clarity to clubs and ensure Covid-19 safety measures are taken before activities can resume.
IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne told OTB AM about the professional game returning last week, now the framework for the amateur game has landed.
Return to rugby guidelines will be issued to all clubs on Friday 5 June 2020, in accordance with dates dictated by the Irish Government and Northern Ireland executive.
Clubs are being asked to focus for now on COVID-19 safety planning. A range of training and education supports will be available to guide clubs through this stage.
IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines will be issued to all clubs on Friday June 5th 2020.
The summary roadmap and details of the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage were issued to club Honorary Secretaries on Friday May 29th.
Recommendations include the appointment of a COVID-19 Club Safety Officer to oversee public health measures in the club. Appointed COVID-19 Club Compliance Officers will be asked to monitor day-to-day compliance with protocols across all teams.
Clubs will be guided through the process of completing a COVID-19 Club Risk Assessment and a COVID-19 Club Safety Plan to outline safety measures and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Templates for these documents will be issued to clubs as part of the IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines
IRFU Guidelines
IRFU Director of Rugby Development Colin McEntee said: "Like everyone else, our community has been following the updates to government roadmaps and recovery plans and asking when clubs can reopen. That's from junior clubs right up to our men’s and women’s clubs in the Energia All-Ireland League.
"The fact remains we can only resume activity in line with the easing of government restrictions, but there is also a lot we can do to ensure the right practices are in place.
"Many clubs are already looking at revised operating procedures. This plan is about helping all clubs move forward as one in providing health and well-being opportunities for their community.
"I’m hopeful our clubs can rise to the challenge. The support will be there for them at both national and provincial level. From there, we can look at a graduated return to rugby with a focus on reduced activities and non-contact forms of the game along the way."
