Last month it was decided by the New South Wales Rugby League, in partnership with the NRL and State governing bodies, to postpone community Rugby League and other Rugby League competitions and activities in Australia until at least the first weekend of May 2020.
This decision was informed by advice provided by government and health organisations with a view to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Guided by the latest advice, the Board of NSWRL last week established a plan for a restart of Rugby League activities from July 2020 to coincide with a common return date for some other winter sports across the state and the commencement of Term 3 in the school year.
The decision to kick-off a shortened Community Rugby League season and to restart other abbreviated senior competitions will be further reviewed and confirmed by 1 June 2020 subject to the existing Government advice available at the time.
The decision took into consideration the NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 which is currently preventing sport from being conducted and expires at midnight on 29 June 2020 (unless further extended).
In line with most NSW winter sports, the NSWRL Board has agreed to kick-off Community Football competitions from 18 July 2020, coinciding with the end of the next school holiday period and start of Term 3, while allowing a return to training on 1 July 2020. This is subject to the status of the public health in the interim.
The 2020 season was originally due to commence on 4 April when it was postponed in March. All Clubs and Leagues are encouraged to continue to take registrations beyond the traditional 30 June registration cut-off date.
Given the current unpredictable nature of the world we are living in NSWRL will continue to keep all stakeholders as informed as possible over coming weeks should there be significant changes to any of the above. There will also be a formal update provided by Monday 1 June 2020.