RUGBY clubs across the country are still in the dark about when they will be able to return to playing despite having a road map laid out by the Rugby Football Union.

The road map entitled ‘Return to Rugby Road Map’ is currently on stage two, out of its six steps.

Clubs are currently allowed to train in small groups of six players but have no full contact games.

Kendal Rugby Club Chairman Stephen Green said: “Overall it is very frustrating because we don’t have a start date yet but training in the meantime is going very well. We have high numbers of people turning up and we are using the time we have.

“Everyone seems really keen.

“The difficulty is simply when we will be able to get on with playing.

“The RFU issued an optimistic note saying they had gone to the departure of culture, media and sport and hoped to get back to playing very soon.

“However, that doesn’t seem to be going along very quickly. We don’t know where we stand anymore.”

“We aren’t doing any contact training at the moment. Just training in small groups, and not sharing equipment.

“As for us, the club is going well. The gym is open, under restrictions of course. We are doing our best and it’s working so we are grateful for that at least.

“However, the difficulty will come when we get to October when the funding from the Government is withdrawn.

“If we aren’t playing by then we won’t get any income, but the club still has bills to pay. It could be a very difficult position unless we get some clarity by then.”

The road plan for Rugby’s inevitable return will soon see teams return to training in larger groups and then allowing some contact training, followed by the return to training games.

The roadmap will end once teams are able to play full contact Rugby once again with no social distancing restrictions.

Whilst many sports such as football and cricket have been able to return to certain levels of playing, around social distanced restrictions, Rugby is still yet to have a confirmed date of when teams can progress in their current level of trainings to full contact playing.

Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club has been able to put on several functions, including live bands and performers, and has been able to open its beer garden.

All visitors are required to abide by social distancing during their time at the club house.

Currently, training can only take place in small groups and, like other clubs, there is no full contact playing in accordance with current regulations.