Suspension of Sanctioned Rugby Activities Continues Indefinitely
“With the continued uncertainty of this global pandemic, Rugby Canada will continue its suspension of all sanctioned rugby activities. We continue to support the directives of our National and Provincial health authorities in doing all we can to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus." -Allen Vansen, Rugby Canada CEO
April 3, 2020
The following is an updated statement from Rugby Canada, regarding the continued impact of COVID-19 on rugby programming across our country:
As we all continue to navigate this unprecedented situation, Rugby Canada remains first and foremost committed to the health and safety of our members, supporters, players, coaches, officials and staff. In keeping with this commitment, and in conjunction with our Provincial member Unions and Board of Directors, Rugby Canada has made the decision to extend the suspension of all sanctioned national rugby activities indefinitely. These activities include all in-person registered participant team training sessions, all in-person match official and coach training/education courses and all inter-provincial, club, domestic and international matches and tours. National Senior Teams & players may conduct some training preparation under the approval and supervision of Rugby Canada’s Chief Medical Officer, subject to the ongoing guidance of the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee and National and Provincial health agencies. At this time, the Rugby Canada Victoria office, Al Charron Training Centre and Vancouver office remain closed with staff working from home.
Due to the constant evolution of the pandemic, the suspension of activities will be re-evaluated by Rugby Canada management as required over the coming weeks. Further communication to our membership will be made no later than June 30, 2020 based on updated advisements from relevant health authorities.
In conjunction with World Rugby, we continue to monitor the situation around the globe, and will provide joint updates on international events and tours as decisions are made based on the best available information.
Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen stated, “With the continued uncertainty of this global pandemic, Rugby Canada will continue its suspension of all sanctioned rugby activities. We continue to support the directives of our National and Provincial health authorities in doing all we can to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As we head into the Spring season, we recognize this means a shortened rugby season in BC, as well as uncertainty for the start of play for the remainder of Canada. We are actively working with our Provincial rugby members in modeling scenarios for when domestic club rugby will be able to resume. As we continue to do so, we will follow the advice of all relevant health authorities, and we thank the entire Canadian rugby community for their patience, understanding and compliance with these important prevention measures. Thank you for doing your part in our society!”
Tim Powers, Chair of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors added, "As we continue to work through this situation, we’d like to recognize our funding partners, sponsors and stakeholders who are continuing their support. We recognize that the Canadian sport system can play a lead role in helping our communities return to being physically active and healthy when we emerge from this crisis, and Rugby Canada, in conjunction with our Provincial Unions, wants to welcome not only our returning participants but encourage new participation in our sport across our country.”
For further information and advisement from Health Canada, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html.
For updated information from the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee, please see: