The government has finally given rugby the green-light to resume training, albeit under strict Covid-19 safety guidelines, while contact training is still not permitted.

For the Toyota Cheetahs as well as the Southern Kings, Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers, Griquas and Pumas it is the first step in returning to the playing field, although there is still a long way to go.

The CEO of SA Rugby, Jurie Roux, welcomed the move as he views it as a positive.

“This is an important first step back to playing, and we have taken it carefully to ensure full compliance and having thoroughly interrogated the regulations with government,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.

“Contact training will not be permitted for the moment but the players will be allowed back onto the field with a rugby ball and back into the gym – while observing strict protocols in both areas – which comes as a great relief to the sport.

“The risk associated with a mass return to train and play has been highlighted by government and the timelines and practicalities are such that it is unrealistic that there will be a general return to play this year.

“Therefore the members of the CovCom opted to formally confirm that the only rugby to take place under their jurisdiction this year would feature the eight senior teams.”

CovCom is made of the standing committee of member unions and experts which has been managing rugby’s response to the pandemic.

As it stands the Cheetahs and Kings are set to face each other home-and-away towards the end of next month in the Guinness PRO14, but it remains to be seen if this will be possible.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport