Lions-Cheetahs game canceled! – The citizen

The Super Rugby Unlocked match between the Lions and the Cheetahs scheduled for Emirates Airlines Park this afternoon has been canceled in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

The decision was made as part of prescribed precautions recommended by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) to limit the risk of further infection in the rugby community.

The cancellation was triggered on Saturday morning after receiving the results of a second batch of tests on the Lions’ senior team’s training and playing staff, which revealed two other positive cases. The tests had been motivated by the recording of four other positive tests among the same group earlier in the week.

READ ALSO: Hopefully the local rugby authorities will be able to control Covid.

Players who tested positive and identified close contacts are in isolation and quarantined according to Department of Health guidelines. The players are in good health and are being supervised by the team doctor.

If the match cannot be rescheduled, both teams will earn two points.

“Containing the spread of the disease is a national imperative and this first impact on the rugby calendar is a stark reminder of how vigilant our community must be and how rigorous we must be in following the rules,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of Rugby SA .

Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby. Image: Getty Images

“Safety comes first, and while it is extremely disappointing for everyone involved, it is a reminder to our teams and players of the role their actions will play to avoid the risk of further cancellations.

“Despite having followed the warnings and plans that were approved by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), we will take this opportunity to review and strengthen them if necessary.”

The Bulls’ game with the Sharks is unaffected and will continue as scheduled at 7pm at Loftus Versfeld.

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