Schools and clubs set to return to rugby training

LIMPOPO – The working group of SA Rugby, which consists of members from SA Rugby, provincial unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA), have made a recommendation to the SA Rugby Executive Committee that training for approved amateur rugby may commence with immediate effect.

SA Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer, Jurie Roux, said in a statement that training will be done under strict conditions. “SA Rugby’s Covid-19 Amateur Rugby Return To Train And Play Guidelines must always be observed as well as the safety and health directives as per government regulations.”

SA Rugby sent out a stern warning to all stakeholders that the required rules and regulations as well as prescribed documents and processes has to be complied to without exception before any amateur club, team or school can return to training.

“A further document focussing on the requirements for schools and outlining the minimum guidelines and how to implement these guidelines is busy being prepared and will be circulated to all relevant stakeholders once completed and approved,” Roux said.

He noted that clubs that already followed these actions in 2020 don’t have to do it again. “You just have to inform your provincial union in writing that you will be returning to train,” he added.

The following conditions will apply:

• All the conditions for the return to training of contact sport as published in the relevant Government Gazettes and Directions are met.
• Publication of any further changes and amendments stipulated in the Government Gazettes and Directions must be implemented immediately.
• Contact sports may only return to train and not to play.
• All the relevant and applicable health and safety measures are observed and that there is no physical contact between participants during training.

Roux reminded stakeholders of the three phase approach to the resumption of amateur rugby, 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 training.
• 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.

Roux said although SA Rugby is the custodian of rugby in South Africa, they acknowledge that school sport falls under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education and therefore must adhere to their rules and regulations.

“Schools have their own Covid-19 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. It remains our collective responsibility to ensure that the players and coaches who participate in the game of rugby do so in an environment that does no harm and mitigates against the risk of unnecessary illness and injury,” he explained.

“SA Rugby will communicate any changes that may affect schools and amateur rugby should there be any new release from the Education and/or Sport departments. “The number of people infected remains high and everyone involved in rugby needs to keep following all health and safety protocols to ensure that the virus does not surge again. Please ensure that you practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times,” Roux concluded.