Photo Credit: International Rugby Institute
The Executive Committee of SA Rugby held a virtual meeting on Friday, 22 January 2021 to discuss, among other things, the impact of the current level 3 adjusted lockdown regulations and the second wave of Covid-19 and the way forward for club rugby in 2021.
The following decisions were taken after the deliberations:
All amateur (clubs, community, associations) rugby activities are suspended, including training until 08 February 2021, whereafter the status will be reassessed and communicated as such.
SA Rugby will monitor the transmission and infection status of the virus in the country continuously as well as when rugby training and match play returns.
All Unions will be regularly updated and informed when a return to train will be implemented. Once it is established that the infection rate in all provinces have returned to its previous status, indicating that the second wave of the virus is under control.
When rugby returns to training the following structured approach will be adopted to ensure that the safety of the players is taken into consideration:
Phase 1: A minimum of 4 weeks of non-contact training. The emphasis during this time will be focused on fitness and strength.
Phase 2: Following phase 1 (and if permitted by the relevant authoritative bodies) a minimum of 4 weeks gradual integration of contact training.
Phase 3: Return to play.