RFL introduces hydration breaks for all matches this weekend amid extreme heat warning

The Rugby Football League will introduce hydration breaks to all games this weekend in a proactive bid to aid players during the extreme weather. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber extreme heat warning for England and Wales. 

With player welfare paramount, the RFL has moved to put measures in place to minimise the effects of this during contests. 

Where heat conditions are extreme, several interventions will be made in both the professional and community game. 

A break of at least 90 seconds will be implemented at an appropriate break in play around the 20 minute and 60 minute point.  

If a try has been scored or there has been a stoppage for injury management at around this time, the referee will extend the stoppage by a further 60 seconds and this will act as the break. 

Hydration opportunities will also be maximised during breaks in play and there will be increased access to water and electrolyte-based fluids before, during and after games. 

There will be reminders of availability of cold fluids in technical areas and changing rooms. 

Depending on the severity of conditions, additional drinks breaks will be considered – an extra 90 second break at the half-hour mark and 70 minutes. 

In terms of cooling measures, cold towels, ice and cooling equipment will be positioned pitchside and, where possible, the provision of shaded areas and use of fans or air-conditioned changing facilities. 

The match commissioner (or match referee where no match commissioner) will inform clubs if heat conditions merit the measures being put in place and the decision will be taken 90 minutes before kick-off.