The frustration of rugby players, coaches and administrators at club and schools level continues, after SA Rugby recommended that all matches at this level be temporarily suspended, despite the fact that according to government regulations it could continue under strict conditions. SA Rugby commended its 14 member unions for proactively halting all forms of club and amateur rugby in the wake of the current third wave of the Covid pandemic that has gripped South Africa. Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, praised the unions, clubs and associations for the manner in which they united to help stop the spread of the virus. “Even though the Government Gazette allows for club rugby to continue, all provincial unions have halted club and amateur rugby proactively and we are very grateful of this approach of safety first,” said Roux. He complimented all the role players – including the administrators, coaches and players – for taking responsibility to halt club and amateur rugby due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in recent weeks. “Ultimately, the health, safety and wellbeing of our players, coaches, officials and others comes first. We will reassess the situation after 11 July, even though most of the club leagues have already been halted beyond that date,” Roux remarked. SA Rugby advised that provincial competitions such as the Carling Currie Cup (Premier and First Divisions), as well as the Women’s Premier and First Divisions, as well as the u.20 International Series will continue, with strict adherence to all relevant protocols, and that changes to the schedule will be made if necessary. – Meanwhile, the indication is that school rugby will continue this year, but that players will not be allowed to practice or participate in matches before August. Although some tournaments, such as the popular Wildeklawer tournament for top schools, have already been cancelled, the SA Rugby junior weeks, such as the Craven Week for u.13 and u.18 players and Grant Khomo Week (u.16), will take place late in the year.  

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