BRADFORD & Bingley believe it will be possible to still take to the field in some capacity before the year comes to an end.

Earlier this week, the community rugby union world was sent into a state of shock when the RFU suddenly announced 15-a-side rugby could return, with restrictions, for the first time in over eight months.

Some clubs, like Ilkley, think December 18, the date local friendlies can take place from, is far too short notice for them to throw their players straight into full contact again.

However, the Bees think it is possible to get two games in over the festive period.

With supporters not allowed to go to games in tier 3, rugby chairman Chris Hemsley knows his club have to be careful though.

"There is mixed opinion amongst the committee," he said.

"Some people are surprised that you can’t do this and that, but you can go on the rugby field and cuddle a bloke in a tackle.

"Some clubs have organised their own little league. I don’t know how we are going to approach things yet.

"It is the social side which is important. I am fairly certain we will play some rugby.

"We didn’t want to just jump in. We weren’t 100% certain we would be returning so it would have been a last minute thing.

"We are looking to carry on our pre-season. Resuming Saturday (today), and then on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well to prepare for matches.

"In tier 3 we can arrange these fixtures but we are suppose to do it quietly.

"Can I tell you? Then everybody would know there is a match down at Wagon Lane.

"We are looking at getting one game before new year and another at the start of next year.

"We are talking to a couple of clubs about possibly playing those fixtures. We would need to make sure we do it right."

Dressing rooms and showers can open but social distance must be maintained and players are encouraged to arrive already changed.

On the pitch, the restrictions being brought in include no scrums or mauls are allowed.

Hemsley feels the game will be affected quite a lot and said it has already turned some players off.

He added: "There are a few players desperate to play, the ones that aren’t are the props who aren’t going to get to scrummage or line out properly.

"It will change the game a heck of a lot. It will speed it up and make it more a backs game.

"There will be a lot of kicking because the players will be so tired.

"Lads like to get onto rugby pitches with an oval ball and a bit of tackling, instead of the touch stuff (which was played before the second lockdown). Although they did enjoy being back on the field running around."