News

The extension to Auckland’s current level 2.5 restrictions until at least September 21 has forced the abandonment of the 2020 Counties Manukau club rugby season.

A Council of Delegates meeting last week plotted the course of action for the competition under all COVID-19 restriction level scenarios. It was decided that unless the current government-imposed restrictions were relaxed this week the season would be called off.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday afternoon that Auckland remain with the status quo for at least another week.

A statement was released to clubs from Council of Delegates chairman Andy Baker this afternoon that confirmed the decision to call a halt to the season.

“So with real disappointment we as the clubs of Counties Manukau have decided to abandon the 2020 season,” the statement said. “On behalf of CODs, the Executive and the Board I want to thank you all for how we have in general worked our way through an extremely challenging season.

“Hopefully we can look ahead to 2021.”

Ardmore Marist had topped both the Premier 1 and Premier 2 competitions when Auckland went back into lockdown six weeks ago.

Te Kauwhata led the Premier 3 standings while Patumahoe topped the U21 grade and Waiuku the U85kg competition.

The abandonment means no-one is announced as champion in any grade.

The competition had been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak this year with it going on hold for three months during the first lockdown from March-June.

Clubs will meet in early October to confirm the structure of the 2021 season.