Amateur rugby has been given the green light to resume non-contact training, provided that Covid-19 regulations are adhered to.
SA Rugby recently announced this decision in view of government’s adjustment of the alert level 3 lockdown regulations.
This means that schools, clubs and associations may resume non-contact training under strict regulations.
These include all the conditions for the return to training of contact sport as published in the relevant issues of the Government Gazette. The publication of any further changes and amendments stipulated in the Government Gazette and all consequent directions must be implemented immediately.
Although contact sport may restart training, no matches will be allowed. All relevant health and safety measures are to observed during training, and there is to be no physical contact between participants.
According to SA Rugby, the restart of the amateur rugby season will follow a structured approach to ensure the health and safety of players and management.
“The initial phase comprises a minimum of four weeks’ non-contact training, where the emphasis will be on fitness, conditioning and strength training,” it said in a statement.
“Phase 2, if permitted by the relevant bodies, will see a minimum of four weeks’ gradual integration of contact training, paving the way for return to play in the third phase.”
Jurie Roux, chief executive officer of SA Rugby, said this is an important step in getting the local amateur season off to a good start, but emphasised the need for responsible behaviour from these rugby communities.
“Although SA Rugby is the custodian of rugby in the country, school sport falls under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education. They must therefore adhere to government’s rules and regulations,” he said.
“Schools have their own Covid-19 management committees, and together with the school headmaster they will provide the final say on whether the school participates in rugby or not. The ultimate responsible person will be the principal of each school.
“It remains our collective responsibility to ensure the players and coaches who participate in the game of rugby do so in a safe environment and mitigate against the risk of unnecessary illness and injury.”
SA Rugby will communicate any future changes that may affect amateur rugby as directed by government.
