Opening Weekend Protocol Following Extreme Summer Weather

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that the National League Rugby Executive has been granted devolved authority to determine whether fixtures scheduled for the opening weekend of the 2026/27 season can proceed should extreme summer weather continue to impact playing conditions.

Where fixtures are deemed unable to take place, the Executive will also have the authority to consider and suggest alternative arrangements. 

The decision follows an exceptionally dry summer across England, with many parts of the country experiencing prolonged heatwave conditions and some central regions recording their longest dry spell in almost 30 years.

While reports suggest the latest period of extreme heat is beginning to ease, several clubs have raised concerns over pitch conditions and the ability to prepare players safely for competitive, contact rugby.

This is the fourth time in the past five seasons that this issue has occurred.

With the 2026/27 campaign due to begin across the 4th and 5th of September, the Executive has agreed to a protocol to help manage and mitigate any impact on the league programme:

a) NLR Exec should liaise directly with National League clubs, who may by virtue of their status have made appropriate plans for both training and matches.  

b) NLR is delegated to determine if matches in Round One can proceed and if not, suggest alternative arrangements.  

c) Any dispute will be dealt with in the normal manner.

Any clubs affected by the extreme weather and for safety reasons feel their opening match shouldn’t take place are advised to contact our secretary, Alan McCreadie: ncasecretary@outlook.com

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