Proposed Australian Super Rugby competition faced with hefty delay

Rugby Australia has today confirmed plans to proceed with a domestic competition as part of SANZAAR’s solution for the remainder of the Super Rugby season have been placed on hold.

The remodelled competition, which was in the final stages of approvals, had a planned start date of April 3 but has been suspended until at least May 1 after the Australian Government and various State and Territory Governments introduced further measures to fight the spread of coronavirus.

All Australian Super Rugby teams have ceased training for an initial two-week period, following which players will begin modified training programs while the competition comes under further review in mid-April.

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Rugby Australia chief executive, Raelene Castle said the game’s stakeholders were united behind the suspension of the competition.

“Rugby Australia and the Super Rugby teams have made the decision today to suspend the start of the revised competition on the latest guidance from the various Government and health authorities and our chief medical officer," Castle said.

“Our priority is the health and welfare of our athletes and our wider rugby community as we continue to adapt to an unprecedented and constantly-evolving situation for our game and society.

“The decision to postpone the restart of the competition until May 1 is in line with the suspension of all community rugby in Australia and will give us the opportunity to review our position across the whole rugby landscape in a month’s time.

“Our message to the entire rugby community today is to follow the advice of the Government and health authorities. We must do whatever it takes to stop the spread of the virus. The spirit of the rugby community is a powerful force, and the only way out of this crisis is to work together and look out for each other.

“While this is having an unprecedented impact on our sport and many other sports, this is bigger than sport and that is why we will continue to put the health and welfare of our people above anything else.”

- Rugby Australia

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