Rugby union set to return with no scrums or mauls

Rugby union clubs have been given the go ahead to return to training this week and compete in friendly fixtures later this month, but scrums and mauls will be outlawed.

A statement released by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said: "The RFU can confirm the Government has approved our submission to a return to 15-a-side contact rugby, with some adaptations.

"This follows the Government’s announcement last week that outdoor team sport can resume from Wednesday, December 2."

Further detail on the adaptations to the 15-a-side game and associated laws will follow but among those to be enforced are:

No scrums or mauls

Where the game would restart with a scrum, this will be replaced with a free kick

A minimum of five and a maximum of seven players from each team are required to form a lineout

From tomorrow, Wednesday, clubs can resume adapted training for 15-a-side contact rugby.

Clubs can resume friendly fixtures from Friday, December 18 to allow players to prepare properly and safely, having not been training over the past month.

Clubs can still play Ready4Rugby if they have matches coming up from December 2 to December 18 and beyond. There is no obligation to play adapted 15-a-side contact fixtures.

The RFU statement concluded: "Further Government guidance is expected on travel, changing, spectators and clubhouses. The RFU will work to interpret Government information and will provide a detailed briefing."