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SARU just announced that due to the easing of Adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations and with the infection rates on a downward curve a recommendation was made by the working group of SA Rugby, consisting of members from SA Rugby, Provincial Unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA), to the SA Rugby’s Executive Committee who subsequently approved amateur rugby, including school’s rugby, to commence training with immediate effect but under strict conditions.
SA Rugby will communicate any changes that may affect schools and amateur rugby should there be any new release from the Departments of Basic Education and Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
The following conditions will apply:
a. All the conditions for the return to training of contact sport as published in the relevant Government Gazettes and Directions are met.
b. On the publication of any further changes and amendments stipulated in the Government Gazettes and Directions must be implemented immediately.
c. Contact sports may only return to train and not to play.
d. All the relevant and applicable health and safety measures are observed and that there is no physical contact between participants during training.
The resumption of amateur rugby will follow a structured approach to ensure that the safety of the players is taken into consideration:
a) Phase 1: A minimum of 4 weeks of non-contact training. The emphasis during this time will be focused on fitness and strength training.
b) Phase 2: Following phase 1 (and if permitted by the relevant authoritative bodies) a minimum of 4 weeks gradual integration of contact training.
c) Phase 3: Return to play.
SA Rugby is the custodian of rugby in South Africa but acknowledges that school sport falls under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education and therefore must adhere to their rules and regulations. Schools have got their own COVID management committees, and together with the school headmaster 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.