Community Rugby Season Delayed Amid England's Drought Crisis

England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced a delay in the start of the community rugby season due to an ongoing drought affecting over three-quarters of the country. This challenging weather has led to significant complications for recreational sports, prompting the RFU to push back competitive fixtures until after Monday, September 21. Bill Beaumont, the RFU’s president, expressed understanding for the disappointment this decision brings to clubs, schools, colleges, players, volunteers, and fans. He stated, "We know this decision will be disappointing for the clubs, schools and colleges, players, volunteers and fans looking forward to the start of the season, and we do not underestimate the impact it will have across the game." Beaumont emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration and consultation within the community game. He explained, "This has been a carefully considered decision. After listening to views from across the community game and weighing up the options available to us, we believe that delaying the start of the competitive season nationwide is the right course of action." The delay affects competitive games in the RFU’s men’s leagues below National League 1 and 2, as well as in the women’s game below Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) level. Meanwhile, the new Prem Rugby season is set to commence on Friday, September 25.

Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-08-14

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