Gallagher Premiership clubs can begin close contact training from Monday
The Professional Game Board have confirmed that Gallagher Premiership clubs can begin Stage Two training from Monday, which allows for the resumption of close contact training.
All players and designated support staff will have to opt in to be part of Stage Two and will undergo regular Covid-19 testing maintaining the high standards of hygiene introduced at training facilities, with a daily medical screening for players and support staff, which involves the completion of a symptom checklist and temperature check before entering the training facility.
There will also be a contact tracing protocol which will be supported by GPS data and the videoing of training sessions.
Chris Booy, Professional Game Board Chair said: “I’m delighted to confirm that Rugby Restart is on track. The teams at Premiership Rugby, RFU and RPA and at our clubs have undertaken a huge amount of work to get us to Stage Two and I commend them for their dedication and tireless commitment to resuming the League campaign when it is safe to do so."
Darren Childs, Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby, said: "This is a significant milestone in our journey to restarting Gallagher Premiership Rugby, as we stay on track to resume the League on Friday 14 August, if it remains safe to do so.
"Rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, which is why the exhaustive process that is being followed is so thorough and has involved high-level collaboration between Premiership Rugby, RFU and RPA.”
Saracens have confirmed the signing of former Scotland lock Tim Swinson, who was previously with Glasgow Warriors before announcing his retirement in the summer.
Swinson, 33, won 38 caps for Scotland and becomes the club's sixth signing ahead of next season in the Championship.
Worcester have confirmed that defence coach Omar Mouneimne has left Sixways with immediate effect, while Jonny Goodridge has been appointed backs transition coach for the Worcester academy, signing from Hartpury and replacing Gordon Ross, who has joined Dragons.
