Full-time whistle sounds for competitive club rugby matches

POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Executive Committee has decided to cancel the remainder of the BBRU-Limpopo club rugby season.

The decision was made on August 16 as the committee cited that only 18% of clubs in the province wanted to continue with league matches.

Club rugby in Limpopo was stopped in June. 

Limpopo Blue Bulls amateur rugby manager Attie Buitendag said in a statement to the stakeholders that although the green light was given for amateur club rugby to resume, with a return-to-train and play strategy as from August 2, it gradually became evident that not all affiliated structures had the same eagerness to get onto the field again.

“We communicated with our club chairpersons to provide a status report that will enable the executive committee and competitions committee to take an informed decision regarding the continuation of the 2021 season. The overwhelming response from our clubs was that there is very little interest from all role-players to return to the rugby fields,” he explained.

Buitendag said the cancellation was a hard choice to make, but added that the safety and health of rugby players, administrators and the public in general is of far more importance than completing a few more games of rugby.

“The decision does not, however, prevent clubs that wish to continue with friendly matches for 2021 from doing so. Those who are interested may make their own arrangement(s) on condition that they still apply for the necessary approval from my office, and maintain the health and safety Covid-19 protocols and safety measures throughout as prescribed by government,” he added.

Clubs are also allowed to arrange and host seven’s tournaments on the same principles and prior approval.

Blue Bulls president Willem Strauss told Review: “Covid-19 had a major impact on all our leagues but I sincerely hope that we will be able to have, as close as possible, a normal season next year!”