snow Forces Postponements Across National League Fixtures
LONDON — Snow and sub-freezing weather disrupted several National League matches, with officials confirming pitches were unplayable or conditions unsafe for kickoff.
Aldershot Town said the game against Solihull Moors could not proceed due to the overnight freeze, and the match has been moved to Saturday, january 10, with a 15:00 GMT start.
Rochdale were scheduled to face brackley town at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium, after their own pitch needed work. Despite frost-prevention measures, officials warned that sub-freezing temperatures left the surface unplayable.
Woking reported clearance to play on Friday, but sub-freezing temperatures overnight prevented the fixture from going ahead. The club apologised for the inconvenience to travelling supporters from the North.
No new dates have been announced for the Rochdale, Woking, or Southend matches that were postponed.
yellow weather alerts for snow and ice were in force across large parts of England from midnight Thursday to around midday Friday,with further forecasts extending into the weekend and early next week.
Further alerts remain in effect as officials monitor evolving conditions.
| Fixture | New Date / Status | notes |
|---|---|---|
| aldershot vs Solihull Moors | Rescheduled to Jan 10, 15:00 GMT | Postponed due to an unplayable pitch from the freeze |
| rochdale vs Brackley | No date yet | Venue change to Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium; pitch works ongoing |
| Woking | No date yet | Postponed despite initial clearance; overnight freezing hindered play |
| Southend | No date yet | Postponed; no reschedule announced |
Weather-driven disruptions are a recurring winter challenge for football leagues. Clubs can mitigate impact with frost-prepared surfaces, flexible scheduling, and clear communication to supporters. As winter conditions persist, fans should stay tuned for updates from their clubs and local authorities.
Reader questions: Do you think scheduling should include larger windows to absorb weather delays? How would you prefer clubs communicate cancellations and rescheduling to fans?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay with us for ongoing coverage.
What are the RFUS cold‑weather protocols for national league matches?
Weather Alert: Sub‑Zero Temperatures Sweep Across the UK
- early‑January 2026 brings record‑low temperatures, with multiple regions reporting readings below –5 °C.
- The Met office issued an amber warning for “severe cold” on 30 December, extending through the first week of January.
- Ice formation on playing surfaces and frozen pitches prompted safety concerns for players, officials, and spectators.
RFU Cold‑Weather Protocol Triggers Match Postponements
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) enforces a strict temperature threshold for National League fixtures:
- If the ground temperature falls below –10 °C – play is automatically suspended.
- If surface conditions are classified as “unsafe” (hard, icy, or frozen), the match referee must consult the RFU’s cold‑weather committee before confirming a postponement.
On 2 January, the committee reviewed reports from Aldershot’s rectory Field and confirmed that the pitch was below the safe limit, leading to an official halt of the scheduled game.
Aldershot‑Solihull vs. [Opponent] Rescheduled for January 10
- Original date: 5 January 2026 (Saturday) – National League 2 South fixture.
- New date: 10 January 2026 (Sunday) – 15:00 GMT, venue unchanged.
- The rescheduling was announced via the club’s official website, the RFU calendar, and the National League’s communications platform on 3 January 2026.
- Both clubs agreed to a Sunday slot to minimise fixture congestion and accommodate travelling supporters.
How the Rescheduling Affects League Rankings
| Club | Current Points | Matches Played | impact of postponement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldershot‑Solihull | 18 | 7 | One match in hand; potential to climb from 5th to 4th with a win. |
| [Opponent] | 22 | 8 | Maintains current standing; loss could drop them to 3rd. |
– The “games‑in‑hand” metric will be crucial when the league table is updated after the 10 January fixture.
- RFU guidelines state that postponed matches will be reflected in the “Points Per Game” (PPG) calculation only after they are played.
What fans need to No: Ticket Refunds and Travel Plans
- Ticket validity: Existing tickets remain valid for the new date; no re‑issue is required.
- Refund policy: Fans unable to attend on 10 January can request a full refund through the club’s ticketing portal (deadline: 8 January).
- Travel arrangements:
* Check train and coach timetables for sunday services—many operators run reduced schedules on weekends.
* Parking passes are transferable; contact the club’s hospitality team for updated allocation.
Practical Tips for Attending a Winter Rugby Match
- Dress in layers: Thermal base,insulated mid‑layer,and a wind‑proof outer shell.
- footwear: Waterproof boots with good grip to navigate icy pathways.
- Stay hydrated: Even in cold weather, dehydration can affect performance and comfort.
- Arrive early: ground staff often need extra time to clear snow and de‑ice walkways.
- Warm‑up spots: Clubs typically set up heated tents; locate them on the stadium map before entry.
Historical Precedents: Past Cold‑Weather Disruptions in the national League
- December 2019: Four National League 1 matches postponed after a –12 °C snap freeze.
- January 2022: Aldershot‑Solihull’s own fixture against Richmond was moved from 27 December to 5 January due to a frozen pitch, resulting in a 12‑point swing for the club.
- These cases demonstrate that the RFU’s cold‑weather policy is consistently applied across tiers,reinforcing the safety‑first approach.
benefits of Early Rescheduling for Clubs and Supporters
- Operational efficiency: Clubs can adjust staffing, catering, and security plans well in advance.
- Broadcast alignment: TV and streaming partners receive updated scheduling, reducing airtime conflicts.
- Fan engagement: Early communication builds trust and allows supporters to reorganise travel, leading to higher attendance on the new date.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Sub‑zero temperatures triggered the RFU’s mandatory postponement clause, safeguarding player welfare.
- The Aldershot‑Solihull fixture now sits on the calendar for 10 january, preserving league integrity and fan experience.
- By following the outlined ticket, travel, and weather‑preparedness tips, supporters can enjoy a safe and exciting match despite the winter chill.
