According to www.sarugby.co.za the decision was taken in view of the recent easing of adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations, with the current downward curve in the rates of infection.
In a statement SA Rugby said 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.
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 got their own COVID management committees, and together 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 that 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.”
