The country’s rugby governing body SA Rugby has given the green light to the return of schools and amateur rugby.
The decision was taken in view of the recent easing of adjusted level three lockdown regulations, with the current downward curve in the rates of infection.
Schools, associations and amateur clubs will only be allowed to resume non-contact training under the following strict circumstances:
• All the conditions for the return to training of contact sport as published in the relevant Government Gazettes and directions are met.
• On the 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.
Meanwhile, SA Rugby also confirmed the restart of the amateur rugby season will follow a structured approach to ensure the health and safety of players and management are taken into consideration.
The initial phase comprises a minimum of four weeks’ non-contact training where the emphasis will be on fitness, conditioning and strength training.
Phase two, if permitted by the relevant bodies, will see a minimum of four weeks’ gradual integration of contact training, paving the way for return to play in the third phase.
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said this is an important step in getting the local amateur season off to a good start, but he emphasised the need for responsible behaviour from these rugby communities.
“SA Rugby is the custodian of rugby in the country, but school sport falls under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education and they must therefore adhere to government’s rules and regulations,” said Roux.
“Schools have their own Covid management committees, and with the school headmaster they 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 the players and coaches who participate in the game of rugby do so in a safe environment and mitigates against the risk of unnecessary illness and injury.”
SA Rugby will immediately communicate any future changes that may affect amateur rugby as directed by government.
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Boksburg Rugby Club
Makopano Boksburg Rugby Club chairperson Willem Botes confirmed the return to the Advertiser, adding that should everything go according to plan, competitive matches will get underway in the second week of May.
The Owls, as the club is affectionately known, have wasted little time in beginning preparations with their first training session having recently taken place already.
East Rand United
The Reiger Park outfit’s training is set to begin on March 15. According to club secretary Monique Ganzwyk, the training was supposed to have gotten underway already but is delayed by faulty flood lights at United’s base in Reiger Park.
Players required
If you’re interested in playing rugby in Boksburg, consider yourself lucky because you’re spoiled for choice, with both Makopano Boksburg Rugby Club and East Rand United announcing that they have space for adding new players.
Boksburg Rugby Club hold their training sessions at the club’s home, Prince George Park situated on 113 Leeuwpoort Road every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm. The club is looking to accommodate players from u-21 to seniors. Players interested in joining the Owls can contact Danie Schultz on 072 483 9321.
Meanwhile, East Rand United hold their training session on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays – also from 6pm. Players interested (from u-19 to seniors) can call United’s secretary Monique Ganzwyk on 084 579 1601. United’s training grounds can be found at the corner of St Anthony’s Road and Leon Ferreira Drive, Reiger Park.
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