Important Club Announcement: NSWRL Major Competitions postponed till 31st May 2020
18th March 2020
NSWRL suspends ALL competitions over COVID-19
First and foremost, the North Sydney Bears will continue to provide updates to our Bears community as the latest information becomes available.
A special meeting of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) Board has agreed to postpone all Community Rugby League until at least 1 May 2020, effective immediately, while all major NSWRL competitions have been suspended until 31 May in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision was made by the NSWRL in partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL) and all affiliated states, and after carefully considering the advice from widespread consultation with NRL Chief Medical Officer Dr Paul Bloomfield, government agencies and other key stakeholders.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said the recommendation covers all Rugby League matches, trials, training, courses and other club activities in NSW and is made with the health and wellbeing of players, coaches, staff, officials and volunteers and the broader community as a paramount consideration to assist in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The later date will allow teams to train and prepare earlier in May if Community Rugby League is cleared to resume.
NSWRL’s 13 major competitions include: Canterbury Cup NSW, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, Jersey Flegg Cup, Ron Massey Cup, Newcastle Business Plaza Cup, Sydney Shield, UNE SG Ball Cup, Laurie Daley Cup, Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup, UNE Harold Matthews Cup, Andrew Johns Cup, Women’s Country Championships and Men’s Under 23s Country Championships.
In relation to the Canterbury Cup NSW, the NSWRL has decided that given the complexity of travel restrictions, the Warriors should not participate for the rest of the season.
Given the fluidity of the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic the NSWRL will continue to monitor and review the position based on expert advice and will communicate any updates regularly.
A message from Jason Taylor, Head Coach North Sydney Bears “We respect the hard decision that has been made and are all keen to get back on the field as soon as possible, and as a community we can all help with that. Young and old, we must all practice social distancing to help reduce the spread of this virus. In a nutshell, the quicker we slow the rate of contamination, the quicker we get back on the field.
SOCIAL DISTANCING; Stay at home where possible and if you to need to go out, stay 1.5m away from others. Wash your hands! Stay safe, be kind”.
“We are all disappointed, however as Jason highlights the safety and health of our community, players, staff, members and all stakeholders will always be at the forefront of any decision the game and club makes. It is our social responsibility to look after the most vulnerable people within our community” David Perry, CEO North Sydney Bears.
Daniel Dickson David Perry
Chairman Chief Executive Officer
North Sydney Bears North Sydney Bears
