16/3/2020
Community rugby in New South Wales postponed
Effective Monday 16 March, community rugby across New South Wales will be postponed until the first week of May 2020.
In consultation with NSW Rugby Union affiliates including Premiership, Suburban, Juniors, Women’s, Country and NSW Rugby organised School events, the decision to postpone covers Rugby matches and Rugby training. NSW Rugby Union face-to-face Rugby education courses will also be postponed.
The decision to postpone the competition was based on the NSW Health, public health information as well as the advice of the Rugby Australia Chief Medical Officer, Dr Warren McDonald.
NSW Rugby Union formed part of the National Development Panel meeting today held with other State and Territories member unions, to agree to nationally postpone community rugby until May, with the panel to meet weekly to review the impacts of COVID-19 on community rugby as well as strategies to recommence the competition at appropriate time.
NSW Rugby Union CEO Paul Doorn said: “The rapidly changing impact of COVID-19 is something that all community sports are grappling with.
For NSW Rugby, the health and safety of our players, Clubs, officials, staff, volunteers and spectators is at the forefront of all decision making.
“These are difficult decisions and we certainly appreciate our community have invested a lot of time and resources into preparing our Clubs and players for the season ahead, however we feel that it is important that we play our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 out of respect for all Australians and the health care system,” he said.
NSW Rugby is in regular communication with its Clubs and stakeholders, reinforcing NSW Health advice of practicing good hygiene and social distancing - click here for more.
It is not the intention for this decision to interfere with the non-rugby related activities of our Rugby clubs. Government advice should continue to be followed in this regard.
“As has been a testament during recent tough times around droughts and bushfires, our rugby community bands together in times of need to support each other. We know together we will get through this and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to community rugby in the future,” said Mr Doorn.
For further rugby updates please stay tuned to NSW Rugby website nsw.rugby or on social media @NSWWaratahs.
For further updates on COVID-19 and what you can you need to know, please check NSW Health website.
13/3/2020
Initial update
The COVID19 (Cornavirus) is presenting all businesses and sports with unique challenges unlike those experienced previously. NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) puts the safety of its players, officials, members, volunteers and staff at the centre of our delivery of the game across the State.
NSWRU is closely monitoring the changing nature of the COVID-19 virus and is working with all levels of Government as well as with Rugby Australia to ensure the safety of our people and the game.
Rugby Australia today issued an update following the Council of Australian Governments on 13 March 2020 in reference to non-essential organised gatherings of more than 500 persons that is to take effect from Monday 16 March 2020. The Australian Government has indicated that additional information around the practical application of these new measures will be available on Monday.
Rugby Australia will issue updated information once this advice and information has been provided by Government, following the scheduled COVID19 Working Group meeting.
Please see read details from Rugby Australia here.
Elite programs (Super Rugby and Super W):
The SANZAAR Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) continue to meet on a regular basis to assess information from the relevant health authorities in each country, to update advice on key preventative measures and planning considerations in relation to the virus, for the benefit of each Union and its players, match officials, medical teams, and support staff involved in Super Rugby.
NSW Rugby has been an active part of conversations with fellow Australian State Unions and Rugby Australia in relation to the above preventative measures.
As per agreed protocols, all NSW Rugby players and support staff across are being assessed daily by team medical staff for signs and symptoms of illness.
Rugby Australia will issue updated information once this advice and information has been provided by Government, following the scheduled COVID19 Working Group meeting.
Community
NSW Rugbyrecognises that competitions set to kick off across the country over the coming weeks, Rugby Australia has produced a live document containing the latest information and advice from Australian Government and Health authorities.
As part of this advice players, coaches, and volunteers are being asked to refrain from attending training sessions or club environments in the event they are unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms, regardless of their recent travel activity.
NSW Rugby is following the advice from Rugby Australia, NSW Government Department of Health and National Government Agencies.
Any changes or updates for competitions, NSW Rugby will liaise with all competition organisers including Sydney Junior Rugby Union, Sydney Rugby Union, Suburban Rugby, Country Rugby and schools rugby.
Sources:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#1-9-2
