There is light at the end of the tunnel for amateur and schoolboy rugby

Due to the easing of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations and the down curve of the country’s infection rates, South African Rugby Union (SARU) has made a positive decision towards amateur and schoolboy rugby.

SARU announced that a recommendation was made by the working group of SA Rugby, consisting of members from SA Rugby, Provincial Unions and South African School Rugby Association (SASRA) to the SA Rugby’s Executive Committee who subsequently approved amateur rugby, including schools rugby to commence training under strict regulations.

West Rand amateur clubs and rugby schools welcomed the news and expressed their excitement to return to the field again.

“From a club point of view, it’s exciting news. Obviously, there are some challenges with regard to the protocols, and it is a huge challenge for the players to actually get fit again and get used to the contact.

“We can’t wait to get back on the field. If I can just remind the players that training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Scorpion Park, which is the new name for the Hoërskool Die Burger sport facilities,” said Roodepoort Rugby Club Chairman, Mathys Booyens.

According to one of the rugby coaches at Allen Glen High School, Bradley Theunissen, “This definitely is good news; the school is happy that we can start with sport, hopefully as soon as possible.

“We also need to remember that SARU is saying this but they also have no inclination of what the Department of Education says on sporting in general within the schools.

“We actually need the go-ahead from the Department of Education before we can start,” said Bradley.

Schools, associations and amateur clubs will only be allowed to resume non-contact training under the following strict conditions:

• If 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, those changes and amendments 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 to be observed, and no physical contact between participants is allowed during training