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NEWS

Schools and Club Rugby to Resume in April

We refer to communication received by SA Rugby, whereby SA Rugby has granted permission for players to return to the field in April 2021. Schools’ rugby players, meanwhile, may resume contact training for four weeks – following six weeks of non-contact training – with the vision that they return to play at the earliest on Friday, 23 April 2021.

What this means for Club Rugby

Amateur rugby matches can commence from Monday, 12 April 2021, clubs were reminded that permission must be granted by the Union to proceed playing matches.

A Phased Approach to Follow:

What This Means for Referees:

Referees are not allowed to officiate intra club and school games (two different clubs or schools) the schools and clubs require permission from the Union in order to play. Where there are trials for schools or clubs (intra) referees are allowed to officiate. Referees to please urgently report to the office when asked to officiate, so that we can ascertain whether those clubs and schools were granted permission to play against one another.

Below are some FAQ with answers (from SA Rugby’s Medical department), as well as the Basic Education Gazette attached:

  • Pre-match talk (must the referees wear their masks? And will the captains and forwards wear their masks too?)

    • The government regulations are quite clear. Activities that occur outside the actual game require persons to adhere to all safety protocols – wear a mask, social distance and sanitise your hands

  • Boot check which is a BOKSMART requirement – (must the referee wear a mask/gloves and sanitise after each pair of boots checked?)

    • Referee and players to wear mask (unless players are warming up – then only the ref wears the mask). Sanitise his hands after each boot check

  • Are coaches expected to be wearing their masks all the time on the side of the field and for the pre-match conversation with the referee?

    • Yes – The government regulations are quite clear. Activities that occur outside the actual game require persons to adhere to all safety protocols – wear a mask, social distance and sanitise your hands

  • First aid personnel – masks on all the time?

    • Yes

  • Post-match functions – is the referee obliged to attend?

    • It’s advised to referee the match and go home.

    Sanitising of Match Balls: