The Western Province Rugby Football Union has suspended all competitive rugby until 25 April at the earliest in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

This means that all club, schools and community matches will be suspended until further notice, in accordance with SA Rugby’s recommendations following the national state of disaster declared by president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.

The latest updates come following the suspension of Vodacom Super Rugby and the PRO14, as well as the postponement all national team training camps.

In addition, the SuperSport Rugby Challenge – scheduled to kick off on the weekend of 24-25 April – has been suspended until further notice and the club-level Gold Cup competition is being reassessed with a view to postponement.

The Springboks’ Incoming Series Tests in July (including the Test at Newlands against Scotland on 4 July), Youth Week tournaments and Currie Cup remain as scheduled but will be reviewed in April.

ALSO READ: Blitzboks being tested for Covid-19

WPRFU president Zelt Marais says the health and safety of the wider rugby community is the focus for the immediate future.

‘It is vital that we pull together as a rugby community and as South Africans in these trying times,’ Marais said.

‘We will monitor the situation very closely and take appropriate action to ensure the well-being of all our stakeholders at all levels of the game.’

Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images