New Zealand Rugby statement regarding COVID-19: Community Rugby participation in New Zealand

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today provided updated guidelines for the application of COVID-19 Alert Levels to the community game.

The guidelines apply to all rugby in New Zealand below Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa from noon on Wednesday 12 August to midnight on Friday 14 August 2020, or if Government advice changes.

Community Rugby at COVID-19 Alert Level 3

Under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 no rugby activity is permitted in the Auckland region, including the playing of games, training and workshops. This applies to all North Harbour Rugby Union, Auckland Rugby Union, Counties Manukau Rugby Union** clubs, festivals, tournaments, and schools.

*The following Northland Rugby Union clubs are in the Auckland region and are at Alert Level 3: Wellsford Rugby Football Club and Tomarata Rugby Club.

**Only Counties Manukau Rugby Union clubs based in the Auckland region are at Alert Level 3.

Community Rugby at COVID-19 Alert Level 2

Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, all rugby activity throughout the rest of New Zealand can continue if Ministry of Health and NZ Rugby COVID-19 guidelines are followed, including restrictions on mass gathering, contact tracing and hygiene protocols.

Individual Provincial Union will determine whether those guidelines are able to be met for this weekend’s rugby and will communicate directly with their respective clubs and schools.

NZR has comprehensive Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 2 guidelines in place for all levels of rugby below Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa and these are available at www.newzealand.rugby/covid-19

NZR will continue to work closely with Government and provide updates as soon as possible. We continue to ask everyone involved in rugby to support one another and follow the official health guidelines.

Provincial Unions, clubs, schools and rugby providers are encouraged to make decisions that are best for your communities and prioritise health and safety.

For more information on COVID-19  and official Government guidelines please visit www.health.govt.nz

What you need to know:

• Use personal water bottles.
• Ensure rugby equipment is regularly cleaned.
• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.
• Regularly wash hands.
• Track where you have been.
• Wear a face mask.
• Follow the Ministry of Health Guidelines: health.govt.nz.
• Stay up to date: www.newzealand.rugby/covid-19.