11:37am, 14 March 2020

Rugby in England is to go ahead of ‘as usual’ this weekend amid the spread of the coronavirus – a spokesperson for the RFU has said.

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The WRU and IRFU have already moved this week to cancel all rugby activity in their jurisdictions. The RFU are continuing to follow the lead of the UK government in not canceling rugby activity.

An RFU spokesperson said: “Current Government advice is that amateur and professional sporting events should go ahead unless there are significant mitigating circumstances.

“In line with many other sports, rugby union league and cup matches and the grassroots game in England is to be played as usual this weekend, unless there is a specific reason to postpone identified by the clubs. We will continually review this based on Government advice.”

Currently clubs in England can choose to postpone if:

Covid-19 case or cases have been reported or suspected in relation to player and/or individuals connected to a club (or closely connected to a club, player or such other individual connected to a club)

and/or; the same individuals are subject to the Governmental advice to self-isolate.

Earlier today the Super Rugby season was suspended after the decision of the New Zealand government to quarantine people entering the country for 14 days.

A statement from tournament organisers SANZAAR said: “Following a SANZAAR executive committee teleconference in response to the announcement by the New Zealand government that all returning travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days, including Super Rugby players, SANZAAR believes it has no option but to suspend the 2020 Super Rugby tournament at the conclusion of this weekend’s matches for the foreseeable future.

“Five New Zealand teams play in the 15-team Super Rugby tournament and SANZAAR completely understands the directive issued by the New Zealand government given concerns globally over the Covid-19 virus and the primary aim to reduce exposure and spread of the virus.”

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