SA Rugby has commended its 14 member unions for proactively halting all forms of club and amateur rugby in the wake of the current third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic that has gripped South Africa.

Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, praised the unions, clubs and associations for the manner in which they united to help stop the spread of the virus.

“Even though the Government Gazette allows for club rugby to continue, all provincial unions have halted club and amateur rugby proactively and we are very grateful of this approach of safety first,” said Roux.

“I want to compliment all the role players – including the administrators, coaches and players – for taking responsibility to halt club and amateur rugby due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in recent weeks.

“Ultimately, the health, safety and well-being of our players, coaches, officials and others come first. We will reassess the situation after 11 July, even though most of the club leagues have already been halted beyond that date.”

SA Rugby advised that provincial competitions such as the Currie Cup (Premier and First Divisions), as well as the Women’s Premier and First Divisions, as well as the U20 international series will continue, with strict adherence to all relevant protocols, and that changes to the schedule will be made if necessary.