Another sporting competition has fallen to the COVID-19 pandemic with Central North Rugby Union calling time on its 2021 season.
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The CNRU competition follows New England Rugby Union who cancelled the remainder of its season last week.
CNRU made the announcement on Tuesday morning in a written statement which also confirmed there would be no major premiers for 2021.
It means it will be the second year in a row no one has taken out the major premierships after the 2020 season was also cancelled due to COVID-19.
"As a result of today's decision, there will be no major premierships awarded in 2021," the statement read.
"All other CNRU awards and trophies will be awarded. Arrangements for the presentation of those awards will be announced in the coming days."
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The news comes after the NSW regional lockdown was extended last week. It will run until at least September 10.
CNRU said there was not enough time to complete a finals series in a "reasonable and realistic time frame".
"It is unfortunate that the CNRU must make the announcement today that the 2021 season will not be completed in the finals show that it deserves and that the remainder of the season has been officially brought to an end," the CNRU statement read.
"Due to the statewide lockdown currently in place until at least September 10, it is no longer possible to allow enough time to complete a finals series in a reasonable and realistic time frame.
"Over the past days the CNRU has explored every possible avenue to a way forward that would allow a finals series to take place, asking questions of the governing bodies regarding modified return to play procedures and consulting with the game's insurance providers. Please be assured that every effort has been made to salvage what should have been a thrilling end to a sensational season.
CNRU also thanked the clubs for "the exceptional way you have worked with us this season, particularly in the last month."
Read the full statement on the CNRU Facebook page below.
Ben Jaffrey
Ben is a content curator and journalist for The Land. He has been with ACM since 2015 and first worked at The Area News and then at the Northern Daily Leader. Ben first joined ACM Agri as a digital journalist for all seven agricultural mastheads in 2022 before shifting to The Land full-time in 2023.
Ben is a content curator and journalist for The Land. He has been with ACM since 2015 and first worked at The Area News and then at the Northern Daily Leader. Ben first joined ACM Agri as a digital journalist for all seven agricultural mastheads in 2022 before shifting to The Land full-time in 2023.
