Guidance specific to Clubs in Northern Ireland
• The resumption of training in Northern Ireland is permitted from Monday 12th April.
• A measured return to activity applies to training at adult, youth and mini-rugby level.
• Training for clubs at this time is limited to distinct pods of 15 (this is inclusive of coaches). Clubs should organize these pods of 15 in the following way:
• Adults (18+) – group size limit of one pod of 15 people per pitch
• Youth Rugby (Age 13 – 18) – group size limit of two pods of 15 per pitch
• Mini Rugby (Age 12 and under) – group size limit of three pods of 15 per pitch

All clubs planning on making a return to training must observe the following guidelines:

• No member should attend their club if they feel unwell – and all members should follow the COVID-19 preventative measures* at all times, as outlined below.
• There should be no mixing of pods either before, during or after sessions. Clubs should take all reasonable steps to manage the start and end of training to ensure that pods are kept separate from each other and that there is no gathering of players in the car park.
• Players should arrive already changed, train and leave immediately after training is finished.
• Only those people needed to facilitate training should be in attendance at the club. There are no spectators permitted at this stage.
• If parents are in attendance for the duration of training they must remain in their cars. There can be no gathering of parents at the side of the training pitch.
• In the initial stages of returning to training, contact should be minimized and coaches should be aware of the length and intensity of sessions. The IRFU will be providing some further guidance and suggestions of appropriate activities.
• Clubhouses are to remain closed with access to toilets only permitted.
Preventative measures to be observed by all clubs across the Province include:
• No individual should attend their club or take part in a sporting event if unwell, or any members of their household are unwell with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
• Social distancing, hand hygiene, and good respiratory etiquette remain key practices in lessening the risk of COVID-19 transmission and should be observed by all.
• Players should only travel alone to training, or with members of the same household.
• Ongoing completion of the Pre-Rugby Personal Assessment Declaration is mandatory for all club members.
• Wear face coverings where appropriate.
Ulster Rugby and the IRFU will communicate to clubs, as soon as is practicable, when relevant government guidelines across the Province permit a change to the above guidance.
Clubs are urged by both Ulster Rugby, and the IRFU, to continue to be vigilant to the risks posed by COVID-19, and to play their part in protecting their members and the wider local community.