RUGBY Australia has announced all community rugby competitions across the country will be postponed until at least the first weekend of May due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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The announcement will affect the Central North Rugby season, which was set to begin on April 4.
The decision comes after this Saturday's Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and the Bulls at Scully Park was cancelled.
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Rugby Australia announced the decision on Monday evening in a statement, which stated the move was backed by each state's governing body.
"This recommendation covers rugby matches, rugby training and face-to-face rugby education courses," the statement read.
"Although this decision has not been made lightly, it has been made with the interests of the participants, families and the broader community as the priority.
"In arriving at this decision, Rugby Australia and the member unions have considered public health information and the advice of the Rugby Australia chief medical officer, Dr Warren McDonald."
The move is not set to impact the start of the New England Rugby Union season, which was slated to begin on the first weekend of May.
"Rugby Australia and the member unions are fully committed to supporting the game through this difficult time and the decision will allow for six weeks of planning to deliver a modified season which will commence, at this stage, at the beginning of May," the statement read.
"The modified season will vary at a local level to best support the needs of our local rugby communities."
Rugby Australia is set to meet weekly to keep updated on the situation.
"It is acknowledged that there are a variety of rugby competitions under way and Rugby Australia will work closely with member unions to minimise this disruption," the statement read.
"It is not the intention for this decision to interfere with the non-rugby related activities of our rugby clubs, such as operation of licensed facilities.
"Government advice should continue to be followed in this regard.
"Rugby Australia and member unions will also work to increase the opportunity for people to engage in online education to ensure our critical workforces are ready for the recommencement of community rugby.
"The national development panel will meet weekly for the foreseeable future and will review this position and communicate any updates regularly."