World Rugby releases guidelines for top level matches to be held in closed stadiums

May 8, 2020

World Rugby has published guidelines for the safe return to rugby union as Coronavirus restrictions ease, indicating that a minimum of 167 people would be needed to stage high-level matches behind closed doors.

Developed by medical experts following consultation with chief medical officers of its member unions, competition owners and players, the guidelines from the world governing body are intended to assist unions, clubs and competitions in creating a framework and policy for return to rugby activity within their respective jurisdictions.

World Rugby stressed that unions and competition owners will need to comply with local laws and policies implemented by government or local authorities in relation to COVID-19, including social distancing and travel measures.

In a statement, it advised “for the avoidance of doubt, this does not mean that matches will have to be played behind closed doors until a vaccine is available – the strategy will be determined by the respective national government directives.”

The guidelines, which are World Health Organization (WHO) compliant and are available to view here, document the environment for returning to match action in a domestic, cross-border and cross-continent context and processes for facility and stadium preparation.

The 167-person figure that World Rugby has devised includes 58 players, eight stadium operations staff, 41 people working in the media, 16 medical personnel, 10 administration staff and four security guards.

World Rugby Chief Medical Officer and guideline co-author, Dr Éanna Falvey, advised “we have been working in full collaboration with unions, regions, competitions and players in preparing a set of guidelines that are WHO compliant in a rugby context.

“They outline all the necessary considerations and steps for players, coaches, clubs, unions and competitions and will be updated regularly as the advice and environment evolves.

“Initial feedback has been extremely positive, and it is certainly prudent that we have a standardised and ready-to-mobilise approach when it is safe and appropriate to resume steps towards playing in the context of easing social-distancing measures.”

The guidelines were authored by Dr Falvey, Dr Martin Raftery of World Rugby, Prav Mathema of the Welsh Rugby Union, Professor Mary Horgan (consultant physician of infectious diseases) and supported by data collected through regional COVID-19 steering group chairs who consulted with World Rugby’s 124 national member unions.

Image: Rugby Sevens action at the Singapore Sports Hub.

1st May 2020 - Coronavirus has multi-billion dollar negative impact on global sport

6th May 2020 - Rugby Australia appoints interim Chief Executive after director resigns

23rd April 2020 - Raelene Castle steps down from Chief Executive’s role at Rugby Australia

22nd April 2020 - Former Wallabies Captains call for immediate leadership change at Rugby Australia

21st April 2020 - Rugby Australia and players agree wage cuts

17th April 2020 - World Rugby announces US$100 million global relief package

12th March 2020 - 25 years of Chiefs Rugby to be celebrated at FMG Stadium Waikato

24th February 2020 - Former ARU President returns to lead game as new Rugby Australia board Chair

13th February 2020 - Major aid appeal launched to help rugby members affected by recent catastrophic weather

1st February 2020 - Reduction in match days prompts New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams to seek compensation

31st January 2020 - World Rugby looks to create global tournament for emerging unions as of 2021

24th January 2020 - Entertainment and safety key as Hamilton readies for Rugby Sevens party

20th December 2019 - Taranaki Rugby relocates Mitre 10 Cup matches to Inglewood’s TET Stadium

6th December 2019 - Rugby Australia Chief Executive says code ‘didn’t back down’ on Folau settlement

29th November 2019 - Crusaders Super Rugby team to retain name following post-Christchurch mosque attack review

21st November 2019 - New Zealand Rugby and Aktive extend Auckland partnership

20th November 2019 - New Global Rapid Rugby series to offer new competition in 2020

9th August 2019 - Injury concerns force World Rugby to introduce new tackling laws

5th April 2019 - World Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong looks to sustainability in 44th year of competition

4th July 2018 - Singapore Rugby Sevens delivers successful fan experiences for families

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.