The Fiji Rugby Union has prioritised its preparations to the resumption of games by ensuring that all its affiliates remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With local competitions suspended locally, the rugby house has sent out a stern message to all its members to follow Government’s regulations about the pandemic in order to be safe and healthy during these trying times.
The FRU is in constant and close contact with all unions placing the welfare of everyone above all matters during this lockdown.
“All provinces had been kept updated on progress of operations, but the priority at the moment is to support, follow and assist Government protocols on what we are facing,” FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said.
“This is to ensure that everyone who is involved in rugby comply with the restrictions that are in place while we wait for further discussions on the lifting of restrictions.”
He said the rugby house would give the green light for games to resume after approval from Government.
“We will wait for the lifting of restrictions before we give instructions to the teams.
We have encouraged provinces to follow Government regulations and arrange for players to do their own training wherever they are, but not to breach any protocol in place.
“We have our return-to-games protocol that involves the directions considering players’ welfare and their safety.
Our protocol will determine the kick-off days, but the important thing at the moment is to make sure that we support the restrictions that are in place.
“We will make sure that we assist the Ministry of Health and Government to return us to COVID-contained status and we will plan for the competitions ahead. We don’t know when the restrictions will be lifted to allow for gathering and training.
Participating in training is a high risk gathering, so we have advised all the unions to be vigilant and to keep safe.”
All local rugby games and competitions, informal and organised, were suspended last month by Government because of the pandemic. The competitions include schools, clubs, provincial and national tournaments.
It included the Skipper Cup series and Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge.
