No date set for new Premier 15s season despite return to training
The Premier 15s clubs were given permission to return to training by the Rugby Football Union but no date has been announced for when the new season will start.
The 2019-20 campaign was cancelled in March but whilst the men's Premiership is set for a mid-August resumption there will be frustration over the lack of a timetable for the women's game.
Clubs can now resume Stage 1 training, which means players can do conditioning work individually or in small groups but cannot yet take part in full contact sessions.
It was hoped the new season would begin in September but a statement from the RFU said: "No timescale has been set for clubs to move to Stage 2 while no date has currently been set for the start of next season’s Premier 15s. The RFU will update in due course."
The contracted England players have already been back in training but will now return to their clubs to continue preparing for the new season.
There are strict criteria for the 10 Premier 15s clubs to meet before training can start, including implementing correct hygiene standards, an 'Education Module' for players and staff and provision of symptom screening such as temperature checks - although clubs will not have to supply Covid-19 testing.
Nicky Ponsford, the RFU’s head of women’s performance said: "We’re pleased to confirm Premier 15s teams are able to return to Stage 1 training once they have satisfied the relevant requirements to start.
“We have been in regular and detailed dialogue with all clubs and taken on board individual circumstances. After a four-month lockdown period, players need to return to a good training environment to push forward in their physical development.
“Getting clubs back to training and the league up and running is a big priority. Stage 1 is the first step and we know we need to be flexible given the evolving nature of Covid-19. The welfare of the players and staff is our only priority, and we thank clubs for their continued co-operation."
