Photo: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley
In the midst of the growing COVID-19 health pandemic, Shute Shield rugby is one of a host of competitive sporting franchises forced to suspend its season.
West Harbour Rugby, along with all other national Club and community rugby sides have closed down operations and training in an effort to restrict the spread of coronavirus, and ensure the safety of all players and staff.
In a statement released by West Harbour, President Tom Andrews, “The impact of this pandemic has been incalculable, the world over.”
“With so many unknowns, it’s at times like this that many of us turn to our passions for comfort, and to lose that ability for those of us in the sporting fraternity has been a painful, but very necessary step.”
Andrews acknowledged that while the decision will be met with grave disappointment, the paramount concern was the health of all involved at the Club.
“In a Club sense, we feel greatly disappointed for Head Coach Mark Gudmunson and his coaching team, and the great group of players they have brought together for season 2020.”
“While we’re hopeful that there will still be a chance this year for them to display the results of all the hard work they have put in, we need to be prepared to follow the safety guidelines, and do our part for the good of the community, by social distancing and isolating as much as possible, for as long as needed.”
A call was made last week following a meeting between the National Development Panel, Rugby Australia and representatives from all State and Territory Member Unions, suspending all rugby until the first week of May.
The decision covers all rugby matches, training and face to face education courses as per the health advice issued by Rugby Australia chief medical officer, Dr Warren McDonald.
Rugby Australia issued a statement on Monday following the meeting of its National Development Panel.
“Rugby Australia and the member unions are fully committed to supporting the game through this difficult time and the decision will allow for six weeks of planning to deliver a modified season which will commence, at this stage, at the beginning of May.
The modified season will vary at a local level to best support the needs of our local rugby communities.”
The Shute Shield would have been the last of the national club competitions to begin on April 4, however that is set to be changed to May 2 pending any reviewed health advice.
Director of Rugby at West Harbour, Tom Games stated this week that a decision to reopen the gym and recommence training would only be made once the Club had the backing of government bodies.
“We will continue to be guided by both Rugby Australia and the Government in regard to our return to play protocols”, he said.
“As a West Harbour community, we all have a part to play in ensuring the sustainability of the Club through these unprecedented times.”
“We will need all the support we can get to make sure our proud Club can come through the other side and continue to service the community and provide a home for elite rugby in the Inner West.”
The National Development Panel and Rugby Australia will meet weekly for the foreseeable future in review of a decision to return to programmed rugby in 2020.
Declan Armstrong
Media and Communications Officer | West Harbour Pirates Rugby Club
