Before we even had a chance to embrace Stage D protocols, last week the RFU announced that rugby can move to Stage E by adopting a new format of the 15-a-side game; in simple terms, it's 'full contact' rugby as we remember it, but without the scrum or maul for U14s upwards. There is also other updates for U7-U13 age groups. Of course, this is all subject to wider regional tier restrictions issued by the UK Government.

To support you with your own understanding of the Return to Play Guidance and Contact adaptations, please see the relevant Webinars below:

Meanwhile, Head Coaches and their coaching teams can start the gradual process of preparing their players for 'full contact' rugby and although at the moment, Clubs can only play 'Rugby 4 Rugby' fixtures until the 18th December 2020, there is a much more positive outlook (we hope) for a lot of rugby from January 2020 onwards.

As a significant step forward, Surrey Rugby has already issued their calendar for age group competitions and has requested each club to sign up, so we hope to receive more details on specific fixtures for Haslemere very soon.

Yours in rugby,

Haslemere Rugby Exec