The update below on Return to Play for NSW Community Rugby is subject to federal, state and local governments lifting or significantly easing restrictions related to COVID-19.
Currently, due to Government expert health advice, the Community Rugby season remains on hold. The COVID-19 global health crisis has had devastating impacts on community health, our way of life and our economy. This is a complex, evolving and unprecedented situation that we are all facing as individuals, families, businesses, sporting organisations at all levels, teams, leaders, and as an entire community together.
NSWRU in conjunction with Rugby AU and all the member unions have been working collaboratively on getting back to play as soon as possible. The safety and well-being of our rugby players, parents, volunteers and our communities is paramount and our main priority.
Based on the current advice from government and the anticipated easing of COVID-19 restrictions in coming months, in particular the potential lifting of public health orders on 29th June, we are targeting the month of July for NSW Community Rugby to return to the field.
“Our unions will work with all areas of Community Rugby to assist them to return to the field safely and expeditiously, while adhering to all relevant government requirements.”
Rugby and all other sports would like to start as soon as possible of course, however we are cognisant of the advice of medical staff and coaches, particularly in regards to junior players. To assist, age appropriate guidelines and session plans for preparing to re-start play are being prepared utilising the wonderful resources, data and personnel in Rugby.
We will also be actively working to assist our Clubs and their staff and volunteers to prepare for the re-start of training and games. These activities are likely to have continuing restrictions and controls including increased food hygiene, restricted spectator numbers, dressing room access, and ensuring no one attends who is ill, has flu-like symptoms or has recently returned from overseas, etc.
As we become aware of these conditions for training and play, they will be communicated to our affiliates and clubs so they can plan accordingly.
NSWRU and its unions will continue to review the situation regarding government health restrictions, and we will provide another update within the next month.
There are still a number of challenges we need to overcome, but I remain extremely confident that once we get through this, we will all be back together working in the game we love, with our players back on the field inspiring our community.
In the meantime, I hope you are all doing what you can to stay active and connected to your family and friends – that is more important now than ever.
