Coronavirus: Hong Kong Rugby Union cancels Dettol Premiership seasons, looks forward to international commitments
- Hong Kong expected to play Malaysia and South Korea in Asia Rugby Championship in May and June
- While grand championships are off, officials hope some lower leagues will return after fifth wave ends
The surging coronavirus outbreak has forced Hong Kong Rugby Union to cancel the rest of the season for clubs in the men’s and women’s premierships.
With thousands of new Covid-19 cases being reported in the city every day, the union cited the escalation of transmission, the uncertainty of when the fifth wave might end, and concerns over player welfare, as reasons behind the move.
The scrapping of the Dettol Premiership seasons means there will be no grand championships in either the men’s or women’s competition, and the men’s Premiership A has also been cancelled.
But the union hopes to be able to play some games at community and youth level, should social-distancing restrictions be relaxed in the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately it will not be possible to complete a safe and adequate return to play protocol in time to play competitive rugby by the previously agreed April 2 deadline for the conclusion of both the men’s and women’s Premierships,” James Farndon, the union’s general manager of performance rugby, said.
“Whilst this is not the news anyone wanted, the welfare of players remains our first and foremost concern.”
Also playing into the union’s planning is the need to prepare a men’s squad for the Asia Rugby Championship, which is expected to take place from May 27 to June 4.
