Below the elite level of rugby union, Sports minister Nigel Huddleston’s says grassroots restart has serious ‘challenges’ with no scrums becoming an increasingly likely outcome.
Community rugby remains on the second stage of a six-part road map for a phased return in the UK.
Speaking today, Huddleston was very cautious when asked whether recreational rugby would be back next season. “I hope so but where you’ve got full contact, there are some sports – judo, karate, other full contact sports – where there’s particular challenges,” he said.
*Scrum appreciation post*
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 29, 2020
We'll never forget Italy's scrum against Russia at RWC 2011 💪 pic.twitter.com/iACHhDOWrf
“I think inevitably there are going to be some changes. It could be broadly recognisable, but the reality is, for a temporary period of time, we’re going to have to probably see some changes.”
According to the Times, World Rugby’s Law Review Group has highlighted scrums and mauls as high-risk areas of the game that could be adapted or removed entirely by unions around the world to resume competition.
When it was suggested to Huddleston that there might be no scrums in recreational rugby until after Christmas, he didn’t rule it out: “Potentially, but we’ll have to see. It will be based on medical and other advice.”
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LIST | 5 wonderkids who could star for England at 2023 Rugby World Cup
1. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Position: Fullback
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role f=or Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he’ll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours.