WRU calls extraordinary council meeting as season could be postponed

The Welsh Rugby Union has called an extraordinary council meeting to address the ongoing heat and its impact on the start of the club season.

WalesOnline understands council members have been summoned to a meeting on August 25, with few details given about the nature of it. However, the invitation itself is believed to have referred to the meeting as "extraordinary" as it sits outside normal pre-scheduled meetings of the WRU council.

However, this meeting would appear to revolve around the effect the heat is having on rock hard pitches and player safety up and down the country.

The meeting could result in the start of the community game's season being pushed back, depending on how much rainfall we have before then.

On Friday, the Rugby Football Union were forced to delay the start of the grassroots season in England due to ongoing droughts.

Their season will not begin until at least after Monday September 21. Some leagues in Wales are due to start on September 5.

Weeks of hot weather have left many pitches scorched and almost unplayable, with a host of grassroot pre-season friendlies already called off this weekend.

Earlier this week, South Gower RFC called off a pre-season friendly with St Clears RFC due to the extreme heat.

Ammanford and Tycroes also cancelled fixtures, with more clubs forced to pull matches. Caerphilly Borough Council has declared all its pitches off limits until further notice.

Earlier in the week, the WRU warned clubs to put safety ahead of pre-season preparations given the extreme heat that has left many pitches scorched and rock-hard.

The WRU told clubs to carefully consider whether training and fixtures should be held as drought and prolonged dry weather leave playing surfaces unusually hard.

The WRU's warning was issued by the governing body's community rugby director, Geraint John.

“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.”

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