It’s all systems go for the restart of amateur rugby in the country.
The decision was taken in view of the recent easing of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations.
Rugby, like all other sport and recreation activities, came to an abrupt halt early in March last year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
The clubs are compelled to follow a structured approach to ensure the health and safety of players and management is taken into consideration.
Walter Sisulu University is one of those clubs that has waited a long time to resume training.
The Eastern Cape outfit is preparing for the Varsity Shield, which starts next month in a bio bubble environment.
“Before they get to the buble they get tested. You might lose one or two with regard to that. We keep on crossing tongues that the players must always keep safe and always be wary of the fact that they need to take care of themselves,” says Walter Sisulu University Director of Sport, Bongo Nontshinga.
Walter Sisulu University coach, Akhona Mgijimi, says, “We are excited to be back in training because we spent a lot of time not training. For us, being back in training is exactly obviously we have to make sure we do it within the regulations>”
The Mdantsane-based Swallows are the current Border champions.
But preparing and playing under strict COVID-19 regulations, could pose challenges to clubs with limited resources.
“Swallows president, Zuko Matyeshana, says, “The challenge we are currently facing now. We don’t actually have a sponsor and we are quite scared that our players might be infected with the coronavirus since that we do not have control of them where they go or cannot go. It is always a risk of them catching a virus.”
After a long year of inactivity, most of the players are not in good shape. The initial phase will comprise of four weeks of non-contact training where emphasis will be on fitness.
The season will commence once SA Rugby and government feel it’s safe to do so.
