Women’s Rugby News

Rugby season delayed as drought hits pitches

The RFU has delayed the start of competitive community rugby in England until the week commencing 21 September, after prolonged dry weather left pitches across much of the country hard and unsuitable for safe full-contact rugby.

The decision affects RFU Women's Leagues below PWR level as well as the men's regional leagues. Friendly matches can still take place where conditions allow and appropriate risk assessments have been completed.

Interestingly, the RFU is encouraging clubs not to put rugby completely on hold. T1 Rugby and other non-contact formats are specifically suggested as ways to keep players active and clubs busy while waiting for full-contact rugby to return.

And the delay may point towards a bigger question. The RFU says its ongoing Rugby Competition Landscape Reviewis considering whether the traditional shape and length of the domestic season needs to evolve as droughts and unpredictable weather become more frequent.

The 2026/27 season may be delayed by two weeks. The bigger question is whether, eventually, the rugby calendar itself has to change.