Updated Covid-19 Guidance For Clubs And Schools From Next Week

The IRFU notes the announcement from the Government of Ireland on August 31st of its next and final phase of response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The easing of restrictions outlined in its document – COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting. In line with this document, use of pods is not required for rugby training from September 20th onwards. Sport Ireland have issued a guidance note to help the rugby community manage the easing of restrictions and put appropriate practises in place that will help us all emerge from the COVID-19 crisis. The Irish Rugby community has endured much hardship in playing its part in keeping everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 Pandemic. As part of the Government of Ireland’s plan, COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, clubs can look forward to a planned easing of restrictions that will help rugby operations in all clubs and schools. Click Here To Download Sport Ireland Guidance Note What guidance have Sport Ireland issued for the 2021/22 season? Sport Ireland have issued a guidance note to help the rugby community manage the easing of restrictions and put appropriate practises in place that will help us all emerge from the COVID-19 crisis. What will the Sport Ireland Guidance Note mean for rugby clubs and schools? The Sport Ireland Guidance Note supersedes all previous guidelines issued by both the IRFU and Sport Ireland. Where any doubt remains, clubs and schools are expected to abide by all public health guidelines and exercise their own judgement. What will not change for the 2021/22 Season? Clubs and schools should continue to have an up-to-date COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan inc. Risk Assessment. COVID-19 Safety Officers, Compliance Officers and Committees are asked to remain in place. All members of the rugby community should continue to exercise the basics of COVID-19 safety that will continue to be effective, particularly in the winter season. These include:

• Staying at home/restricting movements if symptomatic
• Coughing and sneezing etiquette
• Hand hygiene
• Wearing of face coverings in congregated indoor settings

Ventilation is an important measure in COVID-19 Risk Mitigation. The Sport Ireland Guidance Note includes further information on ventilation for club facilities. The IRFU recommends use of the COVID-19 Tracker App throughout the 2021/22 season. How are clubs in Northern Ireland affected by this guidance? Clubs in Northern Ireland will not be affected by Sport Ireland guidance. Click here for Northern Ireland Executive Regulations and Guidance. What measures will be in place from September 20th to October 22nd? Sport Ireland have mapped out a series of protective measures that will help keep clubs and schools safe from September 20th to October 22nd. The headings for these measures address:

• Transport To and From Activities & Events
• Showers / Changing Rooms / Sports Clubhouse Gyms
• Indoor Meetings & Educational / Coaching Courses
• Health Questionnaires
• Substantial distance Among Pods
• Sharing Of Equipment
• Use Of Masks
• COVID Infrastructure Post October 22nd
• Ventilation

Rugby clubs are asked to note, in particular: Buses used by clubs and schools for rugby should operate at 75% capacity in line with private coach tour activity, not 100% capacity in line with public transport capacity as previously advised. Protective measures on buses such as physical distancing and mask wearing should remain in place for this period. As previously advised by the IRFU, shower and changing facilities can reopen from September 20th with protective measures in place. Measures should include a time limit on use of facilities and restricting facilities only to those who need them. Physical distancing measures should also be in place e.g., making only every second shower/hanger available. Sport Ireland recommend the wearing of masks in shared indoor areas, with showers an exception. Indoor meetings should take place in line with government guidelines on indoor activity. Use of IRFU COVID-19 Personal Assessment Declarations should remain in place until at least October 22nd. How can clubs and schools help to keep each other safe throughout the 2021/22 Season? The IRFU are encouraging a #ProtectAndPlay approach to continuing safe behaviours for the 2021/22 season. #ProtectAndPlay posters and signage design will be available to clubs from October 22nd onwards. For more information, visit the IRFU's COVID-19 Resources For Rugby Clubs And Schools.