Amateur rugby league clubs in the Furness area could finally get back on the playing field in the autumn, should the RFL's 'Action Plan' go through.

With the Government beginning to ease lockdown measures on grassroots sport, the RFL are in the process of completing their plan for the community game to return, which will need to be signed off by their Clinical Advisory Group, Sport England and the Government by the end of the month.

The return of sport is being phased depending on the amount of contact and risk, which is why rugby of both codes is being made to wait longer than the likes of cricket, which can start again today.

As a result, full contact community rugby league cannot take place until September at the earliest, but the eight amateur clubs from the area will be pleased to hear there could finally be some light at the end of the tunnel.

None of Barrow Island, Millom, Askam, Dalton, Ulverston, Hindpool Tigers, Roose Pioneers or Walney Central have played since sport across the country was suspended in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March.

It does appear unlikely, however, that they will be resuming in their respective divisions in the National Conference League, North West Men's League or Cumbria League.

Instead, there's a possibility that they could play each other through the autumn, with the Barrow & District League currently getting in touch with clubs to find out how they would like to restart.

At present, community clubs are allowed no physical contact and must maintain a social distance of two metres during any skills or fitness-based outdoor activity.

Coaches are limited to groups of no more than six and the playing of games amongst these groups is not permitted, nor are tackling shields and bags.