UPDATE: COVID-19 New Zealand Rugby club rugby participation

22 MARCH 2020 - This announcement has been updated. To see the latest information, head to www.newzealand.rugby/covid-19

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) would like to provide further clarification regarding the postponement of all club and community rugby until 18 April, effective immediately.

The postponement includes:

• All rugby matches - including Club, School (secondary and primary) Junior and Rippa
• All contact training

The postponement does NOT include:

• Meetings and workshops for less than 500 people.

We love rugby as much as you do so please be assured this decision wasn’t taken lightly.

Playing rugby and contact training involves close proximity which brings a high-risk level of spreading viruses.

Postponing Rugby is also about protecting our rugby spectators. We can’t limit the number of people who turn up to support their team and have no record of their attendance should we need to contact them regarding potential Covid-19 exposure.  

We emphasise there are no restrictions to holding meetings or workshops as long as the Ministry of Health’s guidelines are followed www.health.govt.nz.

However, there is also no compulsion to run these activities. If you don’t feel comfortable running or attending them then please do not do so.

The situation is ever changing. Please continue to check in with the New Zealand Rugby website www.newzealand.rugby  and New Zealand Rugby Official social media channels for updates, as well as with the communications channels of your Provincial Union and Club.

Decisions about attendance at any activity should be made with regard for the best interests of yourself, your whanau and your community.

NZR Online:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nzrugbyofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzrugbyofficial/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nzrugby

Website: www.newzealand.rugby

What you need to know:

• All rugby matches and full contact training postponed until Saturday, 18 April
• At this stage, full-contact training can resume from Monday, 13 April
• Non-contact training activities can continue with sensible hygiene protocols observed
• Use personal water bottles – don’t share with others
• Ensure rugby equipment is regularly cleaned
• Maintaining fitness is encouraged
• Referee and coach education courses and other meetings of less than 500 people can continue under Ministry of Health guidelines for Covid-19
• Registering for rugby can continue online
• Stay informed. We will provide regular updates as needed
• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell
• Regularly wash hands
• Follow the Ministry of Health Guidelines: www.health.govt.nz
• Do what is best for you and your communities to keep them safe and healthy