The RFU have responded to the current fuel crisis bringing Britain to a halt by releasing guideline on how clubs should deal with the problem.

The following information has been sent to League Secretaries & will apply to clubs below the Zurich Premiership and National Division One

FUEL CRISIS

In view of the current fuel crisis and the likely impact on travel arrangements for this weekend's matches, the RFU has prepared the following instructions.

1. Every effort must be made to fulfil RFU Competition fixtures this weekend. This is important to avoid rearrangements of League matches so early in the Season.

2. Clubs should consider alternative travel arrangements according to their circumstances (rail links/finances/geography/extent of the fuel crisis).

3. Clubs must liaise with the opposition, League Secretary and Referee Society and ensure they are fully informed at all stages. 4. Clubs must agree a deadline by which the decision to play or postpone the match must be made. This must take account of the Home Club's circumstances (Catering etc) and the Away Club's as well as the very "fluid" nature of this current crisis. The RFU's view is that a decision on whether the game should go ahead be agreed between the respective teams by 6.00pm on Thursday 14th September.

5. In the event that Clubs cannot agree, the travelling Club's wish will prevail.

6. If a Club cannot travel, efforts should be made to reverse the fixture.

7. The HOME Club must inform the League Secretary and Referee Society of any decision made. In addition, the decision to postpone a match must be confirmed in writing to the League Secretary by BOTH Clubs as soon as possible.

NB: There will be no sanctions against Clubs where a League match is postponed due to the fuel crisis.

Further to this Gloucester have tried to allay the fears of their travelling supporters by reassuring travel arrangements remain in place.

The club have filled 2
coaches and are running a waiting list for a third for the trip to Loftus Road and the challenge of Wasps.