SA Rugby announces move to contact training
"Our biggest concern now is getting the players ready for contact and we are going to do that on a gradual basis as there is still enough time for everyone to actually get fit and conditioned."
On 10 March, SA Rugby announced that club rugby, from under 19 level upwards, will be permitted to move to contact training (Phase 2 of the integrated return to train and play) from Monday, 15 March.
The proviso was that all players had undergone non-contact training for at least four weeks.
However, schools and junior club teams (U/18 and below) are not permitted to move to Phase 2 of the training strategy, and no amateur rugby matches are allowed to take place (clubs, schools and associations) for the time being.
The SA Rugby Exco approved the recommendations that clubs and associations (above U/18 level) can start making contact at training, but any form of matches – friendly or competitive – are prohibited at amateur level.
This excludes non-contact versions of rugby, namely TAG and Touch, which are allowed to stage matches, but without any supporters.
According to SA Rugby, schools rugby falls under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and will remain on non-contact training until such a time that the DBE permits these teams to progress in their preparations.
“Roodepoort Rugby Club has literally trained from the beginning of January, so we have done a double round of fitness and yes, we are looking forward to going into phase two.
“We have been given the go-ahead by SARU and the Lions to proceed into gradual contact. We are still going to take the pandemic very seriously because we have to curb the spread of the virus.
“However, our biggest concern now is getting the players ready for contact and we are going to do that on a gradual basis as there is still enough time for everyone to actually get fit and conditioned.
“We are absolutely excited that we are going onto the next step; however, the next five weeks are very important as there is rumour of a third wave of Covid-19 after Easter, so we are going to take all the necessary precautions and be responsible as a rugby club,” said Club chairman Mathys Booyens.
Non-contact development programmes, such as Get Into Rugby and Vuka, are allowed to continue subject to the permission of the principal of each school.
The return to play for amateur rugby (Phase 3) will be discussed and considered early next month, to ensure a decision is made for a possible start by the middle of April 2021.
Important conditions:
• All the conditions for the return to training for contact sport as published in the relevant Government Gazettes and Directions are met
• Any further changes and amendments published in the Government Gazettes and Directions are implemented immediately
• All the relevant and applicable health and safety measures are observed
• No supporters are allowed at training sessions
• SA Rugby’s Covid-19 Amateur Rugby Return to Train and Play Guidelines are always observed, as well as the health and safety directives as per government regulations.
