17 March 2020 – 1.30pm

Poverty Bay Rugby is working closely with NZ Rugby and its members to understand the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on our rugby community.

The recent announcement restricting public event numbers to 500 means the Tiny White opening day could not go ahead at Waikohu Sports Club in its current format. We have been in touch with Waikohu Sports Club and working through possible options for Tiny White Day with our Council of Clubs. One option is to move the games to different venues to reduce the number of spectators and reduce risk.

Current restrictions may also impact some junior rugby initiatives such as the Primary Rippa Tournament. We will maintain communication with all parties involved.

Given the fast-moving nature of restrictions, this advice may change. It’s also important to note we are making plans should we need to postpone the start of our rugby season. Public health is bigger than the game and we will be guided by NZ Rugby and the government in this regard.

More information from the government is expected later today. We will keep you informed.

In the meantime, please ensure everyone involved in the game maintains good hygiene practices, including regularly washing hands, rugby equipment and don’t share water bottles.

If you are struggling to make sense of this or finding things a little tough, please visit headfirst.co.nz for tips on mental skills and health.

Please feel free to contact me on 027 726 0026 or josh@povertybayrugby.co.nz

Josh Willoughby

Chief Executive

 

New Zealand Rugby Statement regarding COVID-19: Club and school rugby participation in New Zealand

Statement from Steve Lancaster, New Zealand Rugby Head of Participation and Development regarding COVID-19 and club and school rugby participation in New Zealand:

New Zealand Rugby continues to follow the COVID-19 advice provided by the Ministry of Health regarding public events and mass gatherings.

At present there are no restrictions on mass gatherings or community activities under 500 people.

Rugby events, matches and any activities which may attract more than 500 people are asked to inform their attendees of cancellations.

Given the fast-changing situation, these guidelines and advice are subject to change. We are expecting more guidance and direction this week from the government regarding mass gatherings and community activities.

We are continuing to monitor the situation with a view that health and safety is the number one priority for both rugby and the wider community.

New Zealand Rugby advises our Provincial Unions, clubs and schools to make decisions which are best for their participants, whanau and communities.

We also ask that everyone involved in the game maintain good hygiene practices, including regularly washing hands, rugby equipment and not sharing water bottles.

Players, coaches, referees, parents and administrators are asked to stay away from rugby trainings, activities and meetings if they are feeling unwell.

New Zealand Rugby and Provincial Unions are monitoring the situation constantly and will provide regular updates as and when they become available.

We continue to ask everyone involved in rugby to support one another and follow the official government guidelines.

For COVID-19 advise and guidelines please visit www.health.govt.nz

Advice to Rugby Participants:

• • Follow the Ministry of Health Guidelines: www.health.govt.nz
• • Regularly wash hands
• • Stay at home if you are feeling unwell

• • Use personal water bottles – don’t share with others
• • Ensure rugby equipment is regularly cleaned
• • Do what is best for you and your communities to keep them safe and healthy