Rugby Canada suspends all sanctioned sport activities due to COVID-19 virus

LANGFORD, B.C. — Rugby Canada has joined its hockey and soccer counterparts in suspending “all sanctioned rugby activities nationally” until at least April 10 due to COVID-19.  

That includes inter-provincial and club competitions and training sessions, international and domestic tours, and all training and education courses for officials and coaches.

The governing body says national senior teams may conduct some training preparation under the approval and supervision of Rugby Canada’s chief medical officer.

Rugby Canada’s chief medical officer will be following the advice and guidance of the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee and national and provincial health agencies.

“The health and well being of all who partake in our game, as well as support it, is paramount to us,” Tim Powers, chair of the Rugby Canada board of directors, said in a statement. “For now rugby, like every other sport, rightly takes a break so we can all focus on ensuring the welfare of our fellow Canadians. We hope to soon be back on our pitches playing the game we love.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2020.

The Canadian Press