University of Queensland rugby team told to self-isolate after Sydney University match

The University of Queensland rugby team and staff have been told to self-isolate immediately after coming into contact with a Sydney University forward at a function who tested positive.

University of Queensland Rugby Club are on alert for symptoms of coronavirus.

• Australia-wide rugby ban effective immediately
• Super Rugby season suspended

The University of Queensland rugby team and its staff has been told to self-isolate for 14 days immediately after coming into contact with a Sydney University forward during a match and at a following function who tested positive.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said the direction was aimed at anyone who was at an event at the Sydney University Football Ground on Saturday 14 March, starting at 7.30pm and finishing at 10:30pm.

“All people who attended this event are considered close contacts of a confirmed case and we ask that any attendees immediately self-isolate themselves for 14 days, so that will be until midnight of Saturday 28 March and should anyone develop symptoms, please contact the public health units on the appropriate numbers,” Dr Chant said.

“There is guidance on our website in relation to what you need to do to self-isolate yourself, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further details. We will continue to make efforts to contact people directly, but we are making it a public announcement in relation to the need to self-isolate.”

The UQ Rugby Club is on alert for symptoms of coronavirus after playing against a Sydney University forward who tested positive.

The player who tested positive is believed to be a front-rower, which must become a test case for possible transmission between players who lock heads and bodies physically at scrum-time.

There is no impact on competitions for the Brisbane first-grade premiers because the Premier Rugby competition, due to kick-off on Saturday, had already been postponed.

The opening five rounds of the competition have been suspended with a tentative start date of May 2 for a redrafted club competition that meets government health directives.

Originally published as University of Queensland rugby team told to self-isolate after Sydney University match