Ulster Rugby Statement: COVID-19 Restrictions Update for NI Clubs

Ulster Rugby, together with the IRFU, welcomes today’s update on the Executive’s Pathway out of COVID-19 restrictions, which gave an indicative date of 12 April for outdoor training to resume for NI sports clubs affiliated with recognised Governing Bodies in small groups of up to 15 people. This change will allow for rugby clubs in Northern Ireland to begin planning for a safe and measured return to rugby from a potential date of 12 April. Earlier today, the IRFU – with support from Ulster Rugby - launched its #ReadyForRugby initiative to help the rugby community across the province plan for a return to some possible activity in the weeks ahead. Clubs should look to start familiarising themselves with the #ReadyForRugby Rugby Roadmap, and re-commence the Covid-19 safety planning stage ahead of any return to action. Further updates from the NI Executive – and other stakeholders, including Sport NI and the Department for Communities - will be shared directly, and across Ulster Rugby channels, as soon as is practicable to provide guidance to NI clubs when it becomes available. Together with the IRFU, Ulster Rugby will also look to communicate any updates from the Government of Ireland around the lifting of restrictions for clubs based in ROI. Clubs in NI and ROI are reminded that no collective training is permitted under the current NI Executive and Government of Ireland guidelines. For the most up-to-date information from the NI Executive, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you