The Kent County RFU has been saddened to learn of the fatalities caused by the outbreak of Meningitis B in the east of the County and acknowledges that Rugby clubs will be concerned to ensure that they are following all appropriate and necessary guidance to ensure that the spread of the disease is contained.
The latest information from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) we have is that, based on the science, events/gatherings can still go ahead. There is no evidence currently that this is a mutated version of Meningitis B and the risk of transmission is believed by the UKHSA to be very low. The UKHSA website is updated at 09:30 every day https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency .
Both we and the RFU are continuing to monitor the situation.
However, based on this latest information, Rugby clubs are free to proceed with their matches and events this weekend as normal. We recognise that certain of our clubs have been seriously affected by this outbreak, including having young players who have succumbed to the disease, whom we wish a speedy and full recovery. For these clubs, they will wish to assess their own circumstances, taking into account the needs of their local communities to judge whether they should suspend their activities and postpone matches. If so, they should agree this with their opposition and any Competition contacts / league secretaries relating to their Leagues/Merit Tables fixtures.
Executive Committee
Kent County RFU
19 March 2026