Rugby stars barred from returning to training grounds despite Government all-clear as Jack Nowell exercises at home

RUGBY stars have been barred from returning to training grounds despite getting the all-clear from Government.

Just minutes after No 10 said the sport could get back into action, Twickenham chiefs put the brakes on, saying there was still much to sort, including how to put furloughed staff back on full pay.

Players had hoped they could be back doing gym work or out on the pitches in isolation — but that is now some way off.

England star Jack Nowell trained at home, doing stomach curls under the watchful gaze of daughter Nori, who was also feeding him Red Bull.

It must have given the wing, erm, wings.

An RFU spokeswoman said: “While much has been done to establish protocols around a safe return to training and ultimately competition, there is still significant work to do and discussions to be had with players and staff before any form of training can resume.

“Their welfare will be at the  heart  of  our  decisions.”

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Premiership Rugby said they would help clubs with testing for Covid-19 once players return.

But, despite having already held eight weeks of talks, chief executive Darren Childs says more planning is needed.

He said: “Our priority is the health and safety of supporters, players, management, staff and the wider community, so our season will resume only when it is safe to do so.”