POLOKWANE – Among other decisions, consensus was reached that all schools rugby training be suspended until 8 February.

Officials from the South African Rugby Union and the South African Schools Rugby Association (Sasra) held a virtual meeting recently, to discuss the impact of the current level 3 adjusted lockdown regulations and the second wave of Covid-19 on the way forward for schools rugby in 2021.

According to a statement by Sasra Chairperson, Noel Ingle, the meeting deliberated on the second wave of Covid-19 and the risk that it poses to the welfare of players, the approach to planning the start of the rugby season, more specifically, that the planning is done in a structured way to ensure that it provides a sense of “hope” to players and coaching staff.

“We also deliberated on the costly financial impact brought about by the testing procedures involved to have matches played, using the current Currie Cup competition as an example. The physical, emotional and mental well-being of players, the lack of rugby and its impact on the High performance programme of Saru as well as the protection of the game of rugby was also discussed,” the statement reads.

Ingle said the following consensus position was taken after the deliberations:

1. All rugby activities are suspended, including training, until 8 February.
2. Sasra, with the help of SA Rugby, will monitor the transmission and infection status of the virus in the country on an ongoing basis during the time of suspension as well as when rugby training and match play returns.
3. All associations and schools will be informed on the status of the infection rate in all the provinces, on a bi-weekly basis.
4. All associations and schools will be informed when a return-to-train will be implemented, once it is established that the infection rate in all the provinces have returned to its previous status, indicating that the second wave of the virus is under control.

Ingle added that the safety of the players is taken into consideration when they can return to training. This will be done by following a structured approach which will consist of two phases:

• Phase 1: A minimum of 4 weeks of non-contact training with the emphasis focused on fitness and strength.
• 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.

Ingle noted that the Basic Education Department has not yet released any changes to what has been published in released Gazettes. “Saru and Sasra will communicate any changes that may affect schools rugby should there be any new releases from the departments of Basic Education and Sport. It remains a responsibility to ensure that the learners who participate in the game of rugby do so in an environment that does no harm and mitigate against the risk of unnecessary illness and injury, as SA Rugby remains the controlling body and the custodian of rugby in South Africa,” he concluded.

The President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, Willem Strauss, told Review that the status quo remains in terms of amateur rugby until 8 February. “You are allowed to train subject to the protocol and guidelines being followed, however, you are not allowed to play matches,” he added.