Following extensive consultation with clubs across England, the RFU has confirmed that competitive community rugby fixtures will not begin before the week commencing Monday 21st September 2026. The decision has been made due to the exceptionally dry weather and the resulting hard ground conditions affecting pitches across the country.

The delay applies to RFU men’s leagues at Regional 1 level and below, and RFU women’s leagues below Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR). Fixtures scheduled before 21st September will be rearranged by the relevant competition organisers.

The RFU has stated that the decision has been taken with player welfare, competition integrity and practical planning for clubs and volunteers in mind. Hard, dry pitches increase the risk of injury, particularly as players return to full-contact rugby, and many clubs have had to limit contact training during pre-season because of current ground conditions.

At Rochford Hundred RFC, training will continue where it is safe to do so, and we will be following RFU guidance and assessing pitch safety before every training session and rugby activity. We will continue to act in accordance with the latest RFU recommendations, with player welfare and safety remaining our top priority.

Where appropriate, friendly fixtures may still take place, subject to local ground conditions, player readiness and safety considerations.

We appreciate that this news will be disappointing for players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who have been looking forward to the start of the new season. However, we fully support the focus on player safety and will continue preparing for the season while following the RFU’s guidance.

The club will keep members updated as further information becomes available regarding revised fixture dates and any additional guidance from the RFU and Essex Rugby.

For the full RFU statement, please visit: https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/statement-start-competitive-community-rugby-season

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the club over the coming weeks as we prepare for the competitive season to begin on 21st September 2026.