It’s unlikely that crowds will be allowed at International matches until an effective coronavirus vaccine is freely available, according to new guidelines released by World Rugby.
The document, compiled by World Rugby’s leading medical experts, raises the possibility of the autumn Tests, next year’s Six Nations and even mentions the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
World Rugby guidelines advise behind-closed-doors Tests until vaccine found https://t.co/O5AjkvPYWi
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) May 4, 2020
Unfortunately, it seems very likely that games moving forward will be played in empty stadiums or in front of radically reduced attendances.
The guidelines also advise that no competitive matches should even take place until governments allow gatherings of 250 people, casting major doubt on the completion of the 2019-20 Premiership season.
Premiership clubs have advised players to prepare for the first stage of training from 1 June but this document advises against handshakes and hugging, while a distance of 1.5 metres should be kept between players and face masks should be worn when possible. Pretty hard to train for rugby like this.
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All players will also be asked to fill in a daily questionnaire for symptoms of Covid-19 and will be required to have their temperature checked before entering the clubhouse or training facility.
Anyone with a temperature higher than 37.5 centigrade will immediately be sent home.
The report was compiled by medical experts Éanna Falvey, Prav Mathema, Mary Horgan, Martin Raftery. The World Rugby guidelines are being issued to all unions who are expected to create a framework for a return to play in conjunction with their own government’s advice.
Rugby Partners | Who are stars quarantining with?
The partners of rugby players in the UK are having to spend a lot more time with their other halfs due to the current lockdown.
Here we get to know the people behind the England, Scotland and Wales stars.
1. ANNABEL FIELD (HUW JONES)
Scotland centre Huw Jones is unafraid to show his love for girlfriend Annabel Field, describing the diminutive beauty as ‘his everything’ in an Instagram post. The couple are thought to have met in Glasgow but spend their time criss-crossing the globe – racking up visits to Monaco, Barcelona and the Bahamas in 2019 alone.
