STATEMENT ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE COMPETITIVE COMMUNITY RUGBY SEASON.

Sun 16 Aug 2026 19:47

For clarification.

Following the decision by the RFU to move the start of the season back for Player Welfare concerns due to the unusually dry weather we can confirm the following : -

Lancashire Clubs who play in the RFU Leagues at Regional 1 (NW), Regional 2 (NW), adm Counties 1, adm Counties 2 and adm Counties 3 cannot play any competitive rugby until after 21st September 2026. This also includes any games in the Impact North-West Intermediate Leagues, MOTiQ Colts Leagues and Lancashire County Cup competitions.

Lancashire Mini & Junior competitions are currently unaffected as they are not due to start until October.

Circumstances may change as quick as the weather does. However, we must follow the procedures as laid out in the RFU statement.

We are aware that pitch conditions vary across our region. Training sessions and friendly matches, where possible due to local conditions, may go ahead in order to help prepare players for the competitive season, with pitch safety assessed following the published RFU guidance.

RFU Statement.

Published Friday 14th August 2026

Your Questions Answered

https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/statement-start-competitive-community-rugby-season?fbclid=IwY2xjawTuv7xwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4CB8qTv2onNX0ECoHuVIvxC8me4Uue46-REjdeGDhgLU2BT-DWtjAVH6CqiA_aem_P77kg1R1uoIBnEo3TNDt8A

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