Rugby Europe Release Following the resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic across Europe and local authority restrictions, Rugby Europe has announced a suspension of all matches planned until the end of November 2020.   The following games are now postponed:  Women XV Senior Championship games between Spain vs Russia (Oct 24th) and Spain vs the Netherlands (Oct 31st) The last round of 2020 Men XV Rugby Europe Championship planned on November 1st (Romania vs Belgium and Georgia vs Russia) and 15th (Spain vs Portugal)  Rugby Europe Championship playoff access game to be played between The Netherlands and the bottom-ranked team in the 2020 Rugby Europe Championship  First…

World Rugby Release The World Rugby Executive Committee has today recommended a revised temporary 2020 international calendar with the express objective of optimizing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for the betterment of the global game at all levels.Seeking to reconcile the interests of the international game, the professional club game, and player welfare, temporary windows have been determined following extensive and productive consultation between World Rugby, international competitions, national unions, their professional club competitions, and International Rugby Players. Recognizing the importance of a balanced and shared compromise among all stakeholders, a temporary international window between 24 October and 5 December…

World Rugby Release World Rugby welcomes the commitment from the Six Nations and SANZAAR for closer collaboration to ensure a more harmonious global calendar for all stakeholders.World Rugby has consistently supported and championed reform of the international calendar for the betterment of the sport as a whole, including all unions, international and club competition organizers and players.Within regular and productive discussions between stakeholders, World Rugby is working to ensure that any calendar outcome recognizes the global nature of our sport, and therefore the competition needs of all nations at all levels. Any proposed competition model must also prioritize player welfare…

World Rugby Release The program of internationals scheduled within the July 2020 window has been postponed due to ongoing government and health agency COVID-19 directives. Extended travel and quarantine restrictions that apply to numerous countries, and concerns over adequate player preparation time, mean that any sort of cross-border international rugby competition cannot be hosted in July. Monitoring of the potential impact on the remaining 2020 international windows continues in collaboration with international rugby stakeholders and the respective authorities. All parties, including member unions, international competitions, professional club competitions, and International Rugby Players, will be involved in the evaluation of potential…

World Rugby Release World Rugby has issued a law application guideline for the breakdown following the Executive Committee’s approval of recommendations by the specialist breakdown working group.The Law 14 and 15 application guidelines will be operational for all competitions commencing after 1 July, 2020 and reinforce the application of current law for what is a complex and dynamic facet of the game. With a focus on player welfare and game attractiveness, a specialist breakdown group comprising international coaches, players, medical, laws and research experts, considered current trends and challenges and considered law change before recommending a strict reinforcement of existing…