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The circumstances in which rugby clubs in England can postpone amid COVID-19 spread

PA

Rugby in England is to go ahead of ‘as usual’ this weekend amid the spread of the coronavirus – a spokesperson for the RFU has said.

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The WRU and IRFU have already moved this week to cancel all rugby activity in their jurisdictions. The RFU are continuing to follow the lead of the UK government in not canceling rugby activity.

An RFU spokesperson said: “Current Government advice is that amateur and professional sporting events should go ahead unless there are significant mitigating circumstances.

“In line with many other sports, rugby union league and cup matches and the grassroots game in England is to be played as usual this weekend, unless there is a specific reason to postpone identified by the clubs. We will continually review this based on Government advice.”

Currently clubs in England can choose to postpone if:

  • Covid-19 case or cases have been reported or suspected in relation to player and/or individuals connected to a club (or closely connected to a club, player or such other individual connected to a club)
  • and/or; the same individuals are subject to the Governmental advice to self-isolate.

Earlier today the Super Rugby season was suspended after the decision of the New Zealand government to quarantine people entering the country for 14 days.

A statement from tournament organisers SANZAAR said: “Following a SANZAAR executive committee teleconference in response to the announcement by the New Zealand government that all returning travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days, including Super Rugby players, SANZAAR believes it has no option but to suspend the 2020 Super Rugby tournament at the conclusion of this weekend’s matches for the foreseeable future.

“Five New Zealand teams play in the 15-team Super Rugby tournament and SANZAAR completely understands the directive issued by the New Zealand government given concerns globally over the Covid-19 virus and the primary aim to reduce exposure and spread of the virus.”

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WATCH: Press conference with Gregor Townsend after the Scotland head coach named his team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. #SixNations

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M
MA 3 hours ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..

If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.


My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.


ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.


Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.


Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.


It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.


So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.


After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.


Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.


Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.

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