SA Rugby has advised amateur clubs, universities, associate members and schools that its Covid-19 committee has approved a proposal to allow teams to return to training under strict conditions, although matches will not be permitted for the remainder of 2020.

The resumption of amateur rugby training follows the gazetting of new regulations on sport by the departments of basic education and of sport, arts and culture (DSAC). “In the past couple of weeks, the DSAC has permitted several sports to allow their amateur constituents to return to training and match play,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

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“Earlier this month, the department released a statement to be read in conjunction with the gazetted regulations that said athletes, support staff and officials involved in non-professional sport do not have to undergo Covid-19 testing before returning to training, but had to ensure that a robust screening system was in place in order for it to commence.

“They do not have to submit their operational return to training plans to the minister for approval. We decided to approve the resumption of training for the SA Rugby and the Provincial Union Elite Player Development programmes, rugby at amateur and community clubs and for associations affiliated to provincial unions and SA Rugby, but under certain strict conditions,” Roux said.

The conditions include, among others, financial considerations, control measures to curb the transmission of the virus, as well as adherence to requirements of the SA Rugby’s return to train and play guidelines for amateurs. The rules need to be enforced by provincial unions. All rugby bodies have been instructed to follow the “integrated return to training” framework as an injury mitigation strategy. It requires four weeks of fitness and strength training, followed by four weeks of gradual integration of contact rugby skills.

A set of guidelines will be circulated to all teams wishing to return to training through their provincial unions. These will include signing indemnification and declaration of health forms; the appointment of a compliance officer; registration of all players, officials and staff on a club database; screening and education of players, officials and staff; cleaning and sanitation of training venues, apparel and facilities; and to ensure no spectators are permitted at training or matches.

SA Rugby also advised that teams may only start competitive action with the commencement of the 2021 season. However, non-contact rugby, such as tag or touch rugby, can resume once the four weeks of fitness and strength training have been concluded.

Advice on the resumption of competitive play at the community level will be confirmed in due course.