Dear members.

I attach a copy of an email from the CRFU CEO, David Smail, issued today.

The health, safety and well-being of our staff, players, coaches, mangers and members through this unprecedented event remain a top priority.   

For this reason we advise the following applies to the Christchurch Football Club rugby players and its members.

• All senior grades including ALL Training, (both contact and non-contact), team meetings, events are suspended until 13th April 2020.
• All junior and teenage grades including ALL Training, (both contact and non-contact), team meetings, events, tournaments are suspended until 13th April 2020.
• Premier Camp planned for 21 March has been postponed until further notice.
• Senior Coaches/Managers meeting scheduled for 24 March is proceeding as planned.

The Clubs grounds, changing and gear sheds are officially closed and not to be used by an player, coach or manager until 13th April 2020. This also includes individuals doing fitness/skills. This is to ensure we do not put any of our staff at an unnecessary risk.     

As mentioned in my previous message, these are uncertain times. We thank you for your patience and understanding and will communicate regularly to ensure all members are well informed.

Regards

Mark Thompson

Chairman of the Board

Christchurch Football Cub

Message from CRFU CEO- Tony Smail

“Kia ora koutou,

Due to the ongoing health and safety concerns regarding Covid-19, and the speed at which developments are occurring, Canterbury Rugby has today reached the decision to suspend all rugby (including both contact and non-contact trainings) in order to provide community clubs and schools with clarity during this challenging time. This decision has been made after consulting all sub-unions, and follows NZR's update earlier this week which provided minimum guidelines.

This means the following, effective immediately:

• All Junior & Teenage Rugby including ALL training (both contact and non-contact) is suspended until 13 April. The current season start date is 2nd May in Canterbury.
• Adult Rugby including ALL training (both contact and non-contact) is suspended until 13 April. At this stage, games are planned to commence from 18 April.
• The above restrictions include the playing of all games, tournaments, trainings and CRFU-led face to face rugby education. 

The health and safety of our community is our top priority and while the above restrictions do not prevent clubs from operating on their facilities, NZR and CRFU continue to urge clubs to adhere to current Ministry of Health regulations in this regard. The situation continues to be fluid but we hope this provides all of our community rugby stakeholders with clarity about the immediate future, as we all do our bit to keep ourselves healthy and safe so we can return to our sport. We encourage registrations for coaches and players to continue as normal during this time. The CRFU will continue to keep you updated via our Canterbury Community Rugby Facebook Page, as more information becomes available.  This is a challenging time for all but the CRFU community rugby team is here to help. If you have questions or need any assistance at all, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.Stay safe and look after yourselves.Ngā mihi,

Tony Smail

Chief Executive Officer

Canterbury Rugby Football Union

Article added: Friday 20 March 2020