England's community rugby season delayed over drought-hardened pitches

The RFU has pushed England's community rugby season start from 5 September to the week of 21 September, citing player welfare on bone-dry pitches. With 71.3% of England in drought after the driest July since records began in 1836, many grounds are unsafe for full contact. Winter waterlogging causes routine cancellations; a national drought postponement is virtually unheard of. Clubs now need rain.