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League Season Completion a Priority Following Weather Disruption

After another weekend of severe weather disruption, more than 170 league fixtures across the region have now been postponed since Christmas, placing increasing pressure on the rugby calendar as the season enters its final stages.

League organisers have confirmed that the volume of postponements is already forcing some fixtures to be pushed into May in extreme cases, highlighting the importance of prioritising league matches over all other fixtures.

Clubs are reminded that, in line with RFU Regulation 6 (50 & 51), league fixtures take precedence over County Cup, friendly, charity, or touring matches. Despite this, there have continued to be requests to move fixtures outside the National Adult Weather (NAW) protocol, particularly to accommodate cup competitions. League officials have emphasised that completion of the league programme remains the primary objective, and clubs may be encouraged to play rescheduled matches over the Easter weekend where necessary.

In certain circumstances, fixtures that directly affect promotion, relegation, or play-off qualification, especially within Regional 1 and Regional 2, may be prioritised to ensure the competition structure can be completed on schedule.

Clubs should also note South West Administrative Instruction 5.4, which states that if a match is postponed due to weather more than once at the same venue, the South West Rugby Organising Committee (SWROC) may, on the third attempt, require the match to be played at an alternative venue, either at the opposition’s ground or a neutral location.

All rescheduled fixtures are published on www.swrugby.co.uk within 24 hours of the original match date, and clubs are encouraged to work proactively with opponents and competition organisers to ensure every available opportunity to fulfil fixtures is taken.

With the season approaching its final months, cooperation across clubs and leagues will be essential to ensure the successful completion of competitions throughout the South West.