Great news for local rugby players is that the working group of SA Rugby, which consists of members from SA Rugby, provincial unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA), has made a recommendation to the SA Rugby Executive Committee that training for approved amateur rugby may commence with immediate effect.
After all school and club rugby was put on ice for 2020 owing to the pandemic, this is welcome news for all coaches, players and managers involved in the game.
According to SA Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer, Jurie Roux, training will be done under strict conditions, and amateur rugby must always observe the health and safety 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, must be complied with without exception before any amateur club, team or school can return to training.
Clubs that already followed these actions last year do not need to do so again. The sub union must inform the provincial union in writing that training will recommence.
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.
Stakeholders must follow a three-phase approach to the resumption of amateur rugby, to ensure the safety of the players is taken into consideration:
Phase 1: A minimum of four 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 four weeks gradual integration of contact training.
Phase 3: Return to play.
KZNRU rules and regulations
Once a club is Covid-compliant, they can begin with non-contact training from 1 March (phase one). Should all go well with phase one, clubs can begin contact training on 1 April (phase two). Flya Tournament and friendlies in May, if permission is granted from SARU.
KZNRU club leagues begin on Saturday 5 June if SARU give permission. SARU/KZNRU can stop training or games at any time depending on infection rates. KZNRU will have a Zoom meeting on 25 February at 5pm and links will be sent to all where Covid compliance issues and challenges that clubs are facing will be addressed.
Zululand Sub Union
‘As a sub union we have certain protocols to follow and as a result, need to appoint a Covid-19 compliance officer,’ said Zululand Sub Union President, Junior Makhoba.
‘We must apply to the KZNRU once all criteria are met and processes are in place, before we start training.
‘There is definitely a club rugby season for the year on the cards at this stage.
‘We will look at kicking off our season with the Premier, U20 and Premier Reserve Leagues first, and monitor how it goes.
‘If everything runs smoothly, then we will kick-off the third division club leagues.
‘Richards Bay Rugby Club will have teams competing in the Premier, U20 and Premier Reserve Leagues, with eShowe, Richards Bay, eSikhawini, Hluhluwe, Richards Bay 3 and Pongola competing in the third division league.’
A decision is yet to be made from the Empangeni Rugby Football Club and Mtubatuba Rugby Club as to whether they will have a team or not, as both clubs are under huge financial strain and on the brink of closure.
The Unizulu side has also failed to commit as yet, owing to students studying online and having a sports officer change.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
