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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.
Emirates Lions’ Elton Jantjies scores a try during a Super Rugby match against Jaguars at Emirates Airline Park Stadium, Johannesburg, on March 9, 2019. Image: AFP.
JOHANNESBURG – The Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked match between Emirates Lions and Toyota Cheetahs scheduled for Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday 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 following receipt of the results of a second batch of tests on the Emirates Lions senior team playing and training 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.
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 .
“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 Vodacom Bulls match with Cell C Sharks is not affected and will continue as scheduled at 7:00 p.m. at Loftus Versfeld.
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