Rugby has June 27 kickoff; other sports want info

South Canterbury sports clubs are relieved they can start playing again as gathering limits increase to 100 from noon on Friday.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday the number of people allowed at gatherings under Covid-19 level 2 rules will increase from 10 to 100, meaning popular winter sports such as rugby, football, hockey and netball will be able to return to full training and games.

South Canterbury Rugby chief executive Craig Calder said the change was ‘‘very positive’’ for rugby.

‘‘There’s a major sigh of relief over the rugby community.’’

He said clubs had been training with just 10 people under alert level 2 and it would be good to actually be able to train in teams and play games.

There would still be strict hygiene regulations in place such as cleaning equipment, he said.

‘‘We will be able to play properly.’’

Squads will start training from Saturday with friendly games from June 13 and the season’s competitions from June 27, Calder said.

South Canterbury Aoraki Football chair Nigel Bowen was waiting to hear about best practice and guidance from Football NZ to clarify expectations but was looking forward to kicking the season off.

Netball South Canterbury centre manager Amanda Gray thought the increase in gathering numbers was ‘‘great’’ but was also awaiting clarification, on whether the 100 players were allowed over the entire playing area or just certain courts.

‘‘We hope to have some understanding from Netball NZ and Sport NZ by Friday,’’ she said.