Darwin rugby union competitions have been postponed until the first week of May in response to COVID-19

THE NTRU has suspended all Darwin rugby union competitions until the first week of May in accordance with Rugby Australia’s responses to COVID-19.

NTRU’s response to COVID—19 will see the Darwin rugby clubs banned from matches and training until the first week of May. Picture: CHE CHORLEY

THE NTRU has suspended all Darwin rugby union competitions until the first week of May in accordance with Rugby Australia’s responses to COVID-19.

The Darwin competition was scheduled to play further rounds of senior, women’s and junior rugby this week.

But in the interest of player, staff and community welfare the board has decided to suspend all matches, training and face-to-face education courses.

NTRU president Dennys Stedman said everyone was saddened to make the decision but ultimately felt it was the best choice given the current climate.

“From the board’s perspective, we didn’t want to do it but it was the best thing to do given the situation,” Stedman told the NT News.

“The clubs had a number of concerns including maintaining player fitness and registration fees while the club sponsors will also have concerns.

“There’s a number of problems we need to navigate but ultimately it was a unanimous decision in the name of public welfare.”

The NTRU is currently exploring options for extending the current season to accommodate completion of all scheduled rounds and finals later in the year.

However, due to the developing situation there is a chance that the season does not recommence at all with the targeted May restart subject to constant review.

While the Darwin competition is currently on hold both the Central Australian and Katherine competitions have a grand finals scheduled for this coming weekend.

Both unions have completed the NT Government recommended risk analysis for mass gatherings and determined their events as low risk.

In that respect both finals will go ahead unless a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified for any person within a 50km radius.