WRU Issues Pitch Safety Guidance for Hot, Dry Summer

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is advising clubs to pause or postpone matches if pitches present safety concerns, especially during the current hot and dry weather. This guidance focuses on a series of critical checks to ensure player well-being.

Key areas of concern include uneven playing surfaces, where hazards like holes, cracks, or sudden drops could lead to player injuries. Clubs are urged to thoroughly inspect their grounds for such imperfections.

Furthermore, an assessment of grass coverage is recommended, with particular attention paid to bare or hardened patches in high-contact areas such as scrums, tackles, and in-goal zones. The hardness of the surface and its shock-absorbing capabilities must also be evaluated.

"We are encouraging our players and clubs that 'game on' is the general sentiment in Wales, but this comes with the crucial condition that player safety and welfare must be the paramount consideration when local decisions are made regarding whether to proceed with games," stated Geraint John, WRU community director.

"Matches can take place when conditions are deemed safe. However, clubs and referees retain the full authority to reschedule games on safety grounds if there is any uncertainty whatsoever."

This current advisory remains in effect until September 13th, at which point an updated directive will be released.

English Translation:

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is recommending the suspension or postponement of play based on a series of checks. These include uneven surfaces where holes, cracks, or sudden dips could cause a player to fall.

Clubs should also assess grass coverage, looking for bare and hard patches in contact zones (scrum, tackle areas, in-goal), along with surface hardness and shock absorbency.

"We are telling our players and our clubs that it is very much 'game on' in Wales, but with the caveat that player safety and welfare must be an absolute priority when the decision is made at a local level about whether or not to play games," said WRU community director Geraint John.

"Games can go ahead where it is safe to do so, but equally, clubs and referees are entirely free to make the call to reschedule on safety grounds if there are any doubts whatsoever."

The current guidance is in place until September 13, when an update will be issued.