Rugby Africa plans to implement a return-to-play strategy

While Rugby Africa’s activities and competitions remain
suspended until further notice, Rugby Africa Executive Committee has tasked the
Rugby Committee to continue the consultation with the unions as they monitor
the easing or continuation of lock down measures over the continent.

Alternatives and more detailed options will then be reviewed
on the 28th of May.

Rugby Africa Executive Committee held an online meeting on
Thursday April 23, 2020. Following a review of the lock down measures including
closing of land borders and suspension of international flights happening in
most of the countries throughout Africa and in light of prohibited sports
events everywhere, Rugby Africa has focused discussions on the process to
consider the restart of competitions when appropriate.

Rugby Africa President Khaled Babbou said that, “The
continuous contact and information exchange with the members unions and regions
as well as World Rugby has been constructive. Although the full program of
competitions will not be delivered as planned before the end of the year 2020,
we are considering several approaches including a return-to-play strategy and
the support of regional initiatives for cross-border matches and tournaments if
the delivery of continental competitions is impossible”.

Rugby Africa is committed to support the fight against the
covid19. The safety and welfare of everyone is at the heart of its concerns.
Therefore, criteria for the return-to-play strategy include the below;

Covid-19 pandemic under control by way of treatments,
vaccines, rapid testing kits widely available, temperature control, track and
trace systems.

Statutory regulations from participating countries
permitting international travel, return to play of teams, manageable quarantine
requirements if applicable.

Airline traffic back to normal and impact on number of
flights and price tickets.

Training and conditioning time of teams before taking part
in any international events and restart of domestic leagues.

Hosting capacity and safety in participating unions,
possibility to host matches with no crowds, possibility to sanitise
infrastructure

The Rugby Africa President encourages and prioritizes the
health and well-being of all the players, partners and fans across the
continent.

“This journey pushes us to explore new ways to deliver
sports values in a safe environment. Through that lens, we will continue to
make decisions with vigilance and courage. Rugby Africa will work closely with
World Rugby on its global return-to-play model in consultation with members
unions and regions and to ensure a bespoke and relevant strategy for Africa
whilst aligned with directives and guidelines from the mother body”, concluded
Khaled Babbou.

Distributed by APO