Hard pitches “not an issue” in north says Fylde chief as most competitions see kick-off pushed back

Chairman of rugby Mark Nelson says the 2026/27 season “will start as normal” for the Fylde RFC first team a week on Saturday, despite the kick-off in most competitions being delayed due to hard pitches.

Governing body the RFU has ruled that no competitive matches below National League level can take place before Monday, September 21 to allow pitches to recover from a hot, dry summer.

As for Fylde's level (National Two North), the RFU statement reads: “National League Rugby (NLR) can make a decision subject to RFU oversight on RFU Men’s League matches at National League 1 and 2 to take place before September 21.”

Fylde's first XV are scheduled to play three games before that date, including the derby at home to Preston Grasshoppers on Saturday 12.

Nelson says there is “absolutely no” prospect of the National League calling those games off and told The Gazette: “The National Leagues are to a degree autonomous, so it's down to the clubs and the season will start as normal.

“I can understand this being an issue down south after the summer they have had, but I can't see there being an issue up here and I think they have been premature.

“If we had a game scheduled for today the pitch would be playable and there's nothing but rain forecast for the next week. And our first game at Billingham (on September 5) is on an artificial surface anyway.

“It does affect everything below first-team level, though, and just pushes everything back.

“The ruling does get convoluted in that clubs will still be allowed to play friendlies and cup games. Fylde Hawks (the second XV) have already arranged two friendlies and the Vandals (thirds) are sorting some out too.”

Explaining its ruling, the RFU stated: “Prolonged dry weather has left many grounds across the country hard and unsuitable for safe full-contact activity.

“With no meaningful or lengthy spells of rain currently forecast, these ground conditions are not expected to improve significantly in the short term.

“With this in mind, we have taken the decision to delay and to give everyone certainty now.”