The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a major welfare warning to clubs across the country, telling them to carefully consider whether training and fixtures should be held as drought and prolonged dry weather leave playing surfaces unusually hard.
Many clubs have already had to cancel planned pre-season fixtures and severely limit contact training because of genuine fears that players could be injured on the hard playing surfaces.
Guidance issued to all involved
The guidance has been issued by the union's Community Rugby Director Geraint John and is aimed at everyone involved in the game from players and coaches to match officials, parents, volunteers and supporters.
“This summer has seen exceptionally warm weather across the country, resulting in high temperatures and unusually hard playing surfaces in many areas,” said John.
“Whilst clubs are understandably keen to maximise training opportunities and prepare for the season ahead, these conditions present additional challenges and potential risks that must be carefully considered.
“We have previously issued guidance from the Grounds Management Association.
“We therefore ask everyone involved in the game to take care, take responsibility and exercise good judgement when planning and participating in training sessions and pre-season matches.
“Clubs, coaches, volunteers, match officials and players all have a role to play in creating a safe environment and making decisions that prioritise the health, wellbeing and safety of all participants.”
Safety measures for training and matches
The WRU is asking clubs to check their pitches before every training session and fixture, with hard ground conditions potentially requiring activities to be changed or adapted.
Coaches have also been told to consider holding sessions at cooler times of the day where possible and to reduce the intensity, duration or format of training if conditions demand it.
And players are being urged to stay hydrated, with regular and adequate water breaks to be built into training sessions and matches.
Clubs have been told to make sure there are sufficient supplies of drinking water available not only for players, but also coaches, volunteers, match officials and supporters.
The union has also called for shaded areas or suitable shelter to be identified at training sessions and matches.
Players and other participants should be encouraged to use sunscreen and other forms of sun protection, including wearing hats during breaks or when they are not playing.
Heat-related illness warnings
Perhaps most importantly, coaches and officials have been urged to remain alert for signs of heat-related illness, fatigue or distress and to act immediately if concerns arise.
The warning comes as the whole of Wales is experiencing either drought or prolonged dry weather, adding to concerns around the condition of rugby pitches as the new campaign approaches.
But the WRU says the responsibility does not stop with the players.
John specifically highlighted the welfare of coaches, match officials, volunteers, medical teams, parents and supporters who could spend long periods outside in the heat.
“Whilst player welfare remains our highest priority, we also encourage clubs to consider the wellbeing of coaches, match officials, volunteers, medical teams, parents and supporters who may be spending extended periods outdoors in warm conditions,” said John.
“Taking sensible precautions, including staying hydrated, seeking shade and taking breaks from direct sunlight, can help everyone remain safe and enjoy the rugby environment.
“The start of a new season is an exciting time for everyone involved in Welsh rugby. However, no training session, fixture or pre-season activity is more important than the welfare, safety and wellbeing of those taking part.
“We will continue to monitor weather conditions and their potential impact as we approach the start of the season.
“Should the current spell of warm weather and hard ground conditions continue, further correspondence and guidance will be issued to clubs to support local decision-making and help ensure a safe and positive start to the season.”
