Nelson sports disrupted

The Tasman Rugby Union says a long-term shutdown of local rugby, including Mitre 10 Cup games, could result in a six-figure financial loss.

New Zealand Rugby has suspended all club and community matches throughout the country until April 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This includes Rippa Rugby tournaments.

Full-contact training can resume from Monday, April 13, while non-contact training activities can continue for the time being with sensible hygiene protocols observed.

School rugby and junior club rugby competitions start in early May and are unaffected by the postponement at this stage.

Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Tony Lewis said that although the decision had been difficult, it was the right one.

The Mitre 10 Cup, scheduled for August to October, is unaffected by the postponement at this stage. However, Lewis said that with the longevity of the pandemic still uncertain, the union had begun to ponder the wider effects of having no rugby later in the year.

‘‘We crunched the numbers yesterday, and we’re looking at significant six-figure losses.’’

All netball activity run through Nelson Netball Centre has been postponed until at least May 2, including the start of the 2020 season.

Nelson Cricket has finished all community, club and school cricket effective immediately, while all community football in Nelson Bays has been postponed until May 2.

Nelson Hockey has also decided to cancel all programmes and training until further notice.

Rugby-related events off the paddock have also been affected. This week, New Zealand’s oldest rugby club, Nelson RFC, decided to cancel its 150th anniversary celebrations at Queen’s Birthday Weekend.