Todayโsย fourth step in the UK Governmentโs Covid roadmap allows for venues returning to full capacity, with no social distancing.ย
That means another significant step back to normality for rugby league clubs and fans in this weekโs fixtures, starting with the Betfred Womenโs Super League match between York City Knights and Wigan Warriors at Odsal tonight โ and continuing through the Betfred Super League, Championship, League 1 and the Community Game.ย
Throughout the pandemic, the RFL has been working closely with Government and with clubs and other stakeholders โ and that has continued in the preparations for Stage 4.ย
Karen Moorhouse, the RFLโs Chief Regulatory Officer, said:ย โThis week is another big step back to normality for our clubs and fans,ย and it comes at aย positiveย time for the sport as we reflect on the success ofย the weekend at Wembley.ย
โWe have been gratefulย since the limited return of fans to grounds in recent weeks for the way our clubs and fans have worked together in a responsible manner, and the weekend was a great example of that.ย
โTo be included in the Governmentโs Events Researchย Programmeย allowed us to welcome a much higher crowd to Wembley than would otherwise have been the case,ย and the supporters of the four clubs involved โ Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, St Helens and York City Knights โ as well as the thousands of neutrals whoย attend our Challenge Cup Final weekend were a credit to the game.ย
โThis year that involvedย providing evidence of eitherย a negative Covid-19 test or of having had a double vaccinationย to gain entry to the stadiumย โ andย while that wonโt be required to attendย regular leagueย matches this week now we have reached Stage 4, we would still encourage supporters to bear in mind Government guidance where possible.ย
โThe Government refers to Stage 4 as โa new phase of continued caution whilst managing the risks of COVID-19โ.ย We all owe it to each other to be as safe and responsible as possible to restrict the spread of the virus.ย
โThe same applies to all involved in the Community Game, whether as players or spectators.ย Again, Stage 4 of the Roadmap involves the removal of a number of restrictions โ and again, we areย urging clubs and players to implement these changes cautiously and responsibly.โย
Rugby League is joining other sports in requesting supporters to bear the following in mind before attending games:ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Do not attend if you have symptoms or are in any doubt about your health.ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Please vaccinate where possible to maximise protection to fellowย supporters and members of staff.ย Vaccination remains a key priority in the response to the pandemic.ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Use the Governmentโs offer of free lateral flow tests; consider taking one before you travel.ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย If travelling via public transport, please adhere to the relevant guidance.ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Respect the rules of the venue you are attending and check in advance to see what is required.ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Wear face coverings inย busyย indoor areasย ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ensure you are familiar with social distancing restrictions where these applyย ย
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Treat stewards with respect and respond to their requests.ย
The RFL is continuing to work with clubs to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.ย
Salford Red Devils’ next home game comes on Thursday 29 July, when we welcome Hull Kingston Rovers to the The Salford Stadium.