The 2020 Craven Week and all other SA National Youth Week Rugby is cancelled for 2020. The South African Rugby Union (SARU) made this official in a statement released today (Tuesday, 21 April).

In the previous few weeks a number of sources hinted that the Craven Week that was supposed to be held in Port Elizabeth from 29 June-4 July, would be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

These are unprecedented times, not only for rugby in South Africa, but across all spheres of life all over the globe,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“Unfortunately, we had to make some very tough calls in terms of our local competitions, but we have the buy-in and support from the local franchises and unions, SAREO, MyPlayers and our broadcaster, SuperSport, in this regard.

“The decision to cancel certain competitions and tournaments is in line with what has been happening across various sporting codes all over the world – we are not shielded from this in South Africa,” he added.

This means that the following tournaments will not take place:

• All SA Rugby Youth Weeks

• SA Rugby Provincial u.13 and u.17 Sevens

• SA Schools u.18 Competition

• SA Rugby Provincial u.19 Week

• SA Rugby Provincial u.20 Competition

• SA Rugby Provincial Sevens Competition

All other competitions such as the Currie Cup premier and first division as well as the Supersport Challenge will still take place at a later date this year.

As of now rugby is still under lockdown and all safety rules still apply as per government stipulation.