Rugby and football postponed until further notice

Dates and explanations from ELFA and Valke are as follows:

Football

Easterns Local Football Association (ELFA) chairperson Bruce King recently sent out a release to all sports clubs, stating the following:

“Due to the rapid rise in Covid-19 infections in the country and a vast number of infections being experienced by some of our clubs daily, we have decided to stop all football, including training with immediate effect until June 24, whereby we will again review the situation.

“We understand that this will cause some issues in clubs; however, we believe that for the safety of all our members this is the correct decision.

“Please ensure that the aforementioned are strictly adhered to and please stay safe.”

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Rugby

The Valke Rugby Union executive committee held a meeting on June 10 and the following decisions were made:

“Following the alarming surge of Covid-19 cases in Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng, the Valke Rugby Union executive committee, after serious consideration, suspends all club rugby activities with immediate effect until July 12,” said Ettienne De Lange, CEO of Valke Rugby.

“All activities at clubs are not permitted, including league matches, friendly matches, practices and in-person meetings. Clubs will be informed, by no later than July 13, going forward.

• All junior club rugby will not be permitted and will be revised on August 15.

• All school rugby is not permitted at this stage and no practices are to take place at any school or outside venues.

• Senior, women’s and u-20 provincial rugby are to continue with full Covid-19 protocols and testing.

• Referees officiating are only permitted at provincial matches with Covid-19 protocols and testing.

• The ‘Get into Rugby’ programme is permitted to continue on a non-contact basis.

“It is our responsibility as the exco to ensure that everybody in the Valke region is safe and that we manage the Covid-19 risks at all times,” he further explained.

“As custodians of rugby in this region, we will monitor all non-permitted activities at schools and clubs and action will be taken against members that don’t comply.

“Please stay safe and be responsible during this difficult time.”

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