SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux has welcomed news from the South African government that rugby has been given the green light to return to the playing field under certain conditions.

The move was gazetted by Mr Nathi Mthethwa, Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, on Thursday. It allows for a return to competitive action subject to compliance with measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The directions stipulate that contact training can resume and matches be played in empty stadiums, with only limited people allowed to attend games as part of essential services to make these events possible and from within a ‘bio-safe environment’.

‘Since the start of this pandemic, we have been working hard at ensuring we get back on the field and we’ve kept the government informed on our plans throughout the process,’ said Roux.

‘We are very grateful for the opportunity to move to the next phase of our return-to-play plans and will provide the department with all the necessary information required, such as venues for matches, to ensure a smooth transition to competitive rugby.

‘Having said that, our eight franchise teams that returned to the training field recently still need a few more weeks of preparation before they will be ready for matches, and from SA Rugby’s side we will assist them with whatever is necessary.’

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