NZR releases tentative plan for return of club rugby
At a glance
Club rugby could start on June 20 but there is a catch.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has released a mandatory three-phase plan for clubs to follow to ensure a safe return from the Covid-19 shutdown but the proposed June
20 kick-off date relies on the Government lifting its ban on gatherings of more than 10 people when it’s reviewed on May 25.
The release of NZR’s threephase plan follows almost a week of confusion around whether community or club sport could be played under Covid-19 Alert Level
2.
Yesterday, Sport NZ updated its guidelines for the resumption of team sports to include a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, in line with Government regulations.
NZR head of participation Steve Lancaster said a measured approach, introducing three distinct phases of preparation to ensure clubs were clear about the stringent health and safety protocols, was required to enable a safe return for players, coaches and referees.
‘‘I know our rugby community is very keen to be back out on the grass, but we’re being very cautious. We must get it right, and get it right the first time. The health and safety of our community is paramount.
‘‘We’re hopeful the 10 person per gathering rule will be increased on 25 May, and when it is, organised training can begin. In the meantime, we encourage participants to register for rugby and start preparing to return to training and playing,’’ Lancaster said.
From today, NZR is asking rugby clubs to work with their provincial unions to ensure hygiene protocols for people, venues and facilities, requirements for gatherings and contract tracing can all be met.
No organised rugby training or match activity will occur during phase one.
‘‘We are now asking for patience. As keen as we are to return to play, we all need to take the time to do the work to ensure we are ready for kick-off. We’re asking everyone to be aware of their obligations and take responsibility for themselves,’’ Lancaster said.
There is no date for the completion of phase one but NZR hopes this will happen when the decision on gatherings being limited to 10 people is reviewed on May 25.
Should that ban be lifted, stage two will begin immediately.
That would mean teams can begin pre-season training, including contact training, within NZR’s guidelines and recommendations for a four week period.
During the fourth week of stage two, teams would be allowed to play pre-season matches.
Stage three, a return to play, would begin on June 20 but only if the restrictions on mass gatherings are increased on May 25. If not a delay will be inevitable.
Lancaster said the prepare to play period is mandatory to support player safety and well-being and would also allow provincial unions, clubs and schools time to establish safety plans in order to meet the required public health measures and set competition start dates.
Lancaster said the phased approach would also apply to secondary school rugby. Schools were also required to work within government guidelines for the education sector.