Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor in a press release yesterday stated that all sanctioned competitions from club to provincial level are cancelled.

This includes the Skipper Cup, Vanua and all the women’s competition.

There are plans to host the final Super 7s series in November with the final details to be confirmed later.

Skipper Cup matches have been on hold since April following the second COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak in March.

“Although FRU had received the approval and Certification for ‘Safe Return to Training and Play’ last Friday; after thorough consultation and careful consideration, we have decided to cancel all our domestic competition for 2021,” O’Connor said.

“We have seriously considered player welfare and safety especially since there has been no training the last six months,” he said.

“Affiliated unions have been advised that while competitions will not recommence it is important that they are compliant to the strict guidelines of FRU’s Safe Return to Train and Play.

“We plan to kick off our competition early next year in March and have urged unions to focus on their off-season training and prepare accordingly.”

He confirmed that they (FRU) have been given the green light to commence non-contact training in the field and gym with limited numbers of 20 people at any one time.

This applies to players, coaches and management who are fully vaccinated.

The circular sent out yesterday reminds unions to update their vaccination status.

“There is a process to cater for the upkeep of vaccination data, everyone must make sure they are in full compliance to all COVID-19 restrictions before they start any competition.

“We will be working with the unions to make sure that they are in full compliance of the Safe Return to Train and Play protocols before the domestic competitions kick off in 2022.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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