RugbyWA’s number one priority is the safety of our participants, players, referees, volunteers and supporters that make up the backbone of our great sport.
RugbyWA along with our local clubs, other state unions and Rugby Australia are closely monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking advice from the Australian Government and World Health Organisation.
It is critical that RugbyWA and its and local rugby clubs work together to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. This includes suspending all club games and trainings until the first weekend of May as instructed by the National Governing Body.
Based on the information Rugby WA has received any club or school development programs have been postponed until further notice is given to reduce the risk of spread into outer parts of the WA community.
We encourage every rugby participant and referee to stay fit and healthy over this period of hiatus and partake in individual skill and fitness sessions where possible.
RugbyWA will continue to monitor the situation at a national level along with Rugby Australia and continue to communicate any updates clearly to all WA Rugby community members and participants through email and through our website.
RugbyWA is fully committed in supporting the game through these difficult times and the decision will allow for six weeks of planning to deliver a modified season which will commence, at this stage, at the beginning of May.
In the meantime, we encourage all players and supporters to follow the below steps to reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading the virus.
Personal hygiene
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Wash or sanitise your hands before eating
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick
- Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze
Rugby hygiene
- Communal use of water bottles should be avoided at all times. All players should be in possession of their own drink bottle, and should not share with any other players
- Do not share drinks, towels, lip balm, sunscreen with others
- Place hand sanitisers around the change room and encourage use of them.
- Ensure all player facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents – consider more regular cleaning of facilities.
- Limit physical contact such as avoiding shaking hands.
We ask the Rugby Community in WA to rest assured that Rugby WA will continue to consult and follow both national and state guidelines. There will be ongoing and further review of this fluid and challenging system as it evolves. We will seek to ensure full and clear communications to all are shared at this challenging time.
Whilst RugbyWA will continue to provide updates on the WA.Rugby Community Notice Board the RugbyWA community is also urged to remain informed via the following key sources of information:
Australian Government Department of Health
WA Government Department of Health
Smartraveller
