FRU announces suspension of all forms of rugby and events until further notice

The Fiji Rugby Union has announced the suspension of all forms of rugby competitions and events across the nation with immediate effect, until further notice.

The decision is in alignment with the enhanced controls announced by the Honorable Prime Minister yesterday, upon the discovery of a positive case of COVID-19 in Lautoka.

FRU says in the best interest of preserving and protecting the health and safety of Fijians and the Government regulations imposed today particularly around unnecessary gatherings beyond 20, the Board was left with very little choice but to suspend rugby competitions and events for the short term future.

Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor says after consultation with their sponsors, the upcoming domestic competitions such as the Skipper Cup, Vodafone Vanua Championship and of course the Fijian Latui’s Global Rapid Rugby season are all suspended. He says as time and the situation evolves they will re-assess these competitions and will inform Affiliate Unions of the new competition kick off dates.

O’Connor says they will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with Government measures and make decisions around the future competitions such as Kaji and the Dean’s Competition together with their Flying Fijians commitments in June and July.

He adds they have arranged with their High Performance Coaches including the Men and Women’s 7s Team to manage their athletes and training environments in compliance to the regulations announced yesterday coordinating their programmes around reduced groups sizes and more importantly practising safe and appropriate hygiene at all times.

He says they are encouraging their Affiliate Unions to align to these measures and likewise to cancel their organised club competitions and any gathering which will result in 20 or more people gathering at once adding they are also urging Unions to take a leadership role in their community around managing safe hygiene principals and controlled group environments.

The CEO says they are confident in the response plan from the Government and that the threat of COVID-19 will be managed across the country swiftly and efficiently, they are mindful of this unique global event and will be working closely with authorities on best management practises.

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