THE Welsh Rugby Union has outlined its phased return for the community game with clubs starting non-contact training from August 1.

The governing body held a webinar for more than 300 member clubs on Monday to help them prepare to work towards a return to action.

The Welsh Government announced on Friday that some outdoor team sports could resume this week but rugby matches at community level are still some way off.

Nonetheless, clubs have been given the green light to organise training next month as long as they meet three conditions.

South Wales Argus:

Firstly, all coaches, players or parents of junior players will be asked to complete World Rugby's online return-to-play awareness course before then completing the WRU's online registration process, which opens on August 1.

Once registered, sessions can be held in small groups of between 10 and 15 at clubs, focusing on fitness and skills with the opportunity to play small-sided non-contact games.

Guidance will be given about hygiene, the use of equipment and the organisation of pitches to keep training groups separate.

Part two is clubs being prepared with the WRU set to hold additional webinars on preparing facilities and updating first aid procedures, which will cover the use of relevant personal protection equipment. The governing body are in talks with suppliers of PPE.

Finally, the WRU has emphasised that a phased approach is vital and that a significant easing of restrictions, especially when it comes to social distancing, is needed before contact training can start.

WRU operations director Julie Paterson said: "We are determined to be part of the solution to Covid-19 and for that to happen it is important we all work together.

"The safety of everyone involved in Welsh community rugby and their wider communities is of paramount importance and when rugby returns, we all want it to return for good.

"We will utilise the immediate period ahead of August 1 to help prepare clubs and groups to return to the first stage of club-organised rugby training."

The Union are set to enter their phase 2B with phase 3 the return to contact training, phase 4 friendly games and phase 5 the start of the season.

The governing body suspended the 2019/20 campaign in March and then cancelled their competitions, with clubs starting 2020/21 in the same division.

While professional rugby is gearing up for a resumption on August 22 with Guinness PRO14 derbies, the Welsh club game faces a longer wait.

WRU community director Geraint John added, "Although these are unforeseen and enforced circumstances, it is also a fantastic opportunity for coaches and players to hone individual and team skills that will benefit the game in the long-term.

"We will provide ideas and resources for coaches but we are also asking them to be innovative and to encourage creativity."