News

A number of clubs have been asking for greater clarity as to what defines “non-contact” training while rugby is postponed due to the Coronavirus. 

Please see below for some key guidelines provided by New Zealand Rugby we would encourage our rugby community to follow during this period.

• Avoid all contact training including the use of scrum machines, hit shields and tackle bags, as it will be difficult to consistently keep these clean and disinfected.
• Avoid all contact training including live scrums, tackles, and breakdown work. 
• In regards to the use of rugby balls, these will be touched by many hands during a training session and it should be stressed to players to maintain good hygiene by washing hands before and after training and to avoid touching their face during training. Balls should be thoroughly washed post training using soapy water.
• Follow Ministry of Health guidelines with regards to hygiene e.g. regular handwashing and use of hand sanitiser, and tell participants to avoid attending if they are feeling unwell at all.
• Follow usual good hygiene practice of not sharing drink bottles.
• The NZR will also be providing some guidelines of activities and training plans that are suitable for teams and players to undertake to maintain fitness and to develop skills in the coming days. We will publish them on our website as soon as they are available.