Local teams enjoy action

Concern as fans attend matches, ignoring rules

Local rugby is back! One would never have thought this day would come when, after being inactive for the whole of 2020, local rugby made a welcome return to the playing fields.

All but one local team were in action last weekend when Breakers, Old Collegians, Progress and the resurgent of Ikhala (formerly Flamingo) were in action with only Shining Stars sitting out.

It has been a long wait and clubs have wasted little time in preparation for the upcoming season.

Breakers locked horns with Progress at Mlungisi Stadium, with the Mlungisi kings coming out tops with a 29-19 win.

The resurgence of rugby in Ezibeleni was up and running when Ikhala hosted Old Collegians at Bulelani High School.

Collegians ran out 36-5 winners against a young and aspiring Ikhala side.

One worrying aspect was the attendance of supporters at matches.

SA Rugby has made it clear that no supporters are allowed at stadiums.

A document titled MatchDay Operational Guideline for SA Rugby’s affiliated unions in preparation for the resumption of amateur club and school matches, tournaments and leagues was sent out to all unions, who in return distributed it to their affiliated clubs.

All individuals (players, coaches, support staff or otherwise) must at all relevant times, which includes when not at team facilities or on team duties, comply with the relevant advice and instruction from public health and/or government authorities regarding Covid-19.

All matches and training are permitted without any spectators, subject to compliance with hygiene and safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and with social distancing measures pertaining to gatherings, as in regulation 72(6).

The message is clear – spectators should refrain from going to Mlungisi Stadium or the Thobi Kula indoor stadium to watch rugby matches.