USA RUGBY SUSPENDS SANCTIONED COMPETITION AND RUGBY ACTIVITIES FOR FORESEEABLE FUTURE
LETTER FROM ROSS YOUNG:
Dear Members,
I first want to convey well wishes to the rugby community as we undergo this unprecedented period, I hope this message finds you and your families well. We understand the situation holds a lot of uncertainty for not only rugby, but life in general. On behalf of USA Rugby I want to express my appreciation for your understanding and patience over the last few days with difficult decisions and changes required.
After careful consideration and guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the USA Rugby Board and Medical Committee have extended the current suspension of sanctioned rugby activities for the foreseeable future. Information on when rugby may resume activities will be communicated by the National Office as soon as it becomes available.
The USA Rugby Club XVs Championships slated for the end of May will also be canceled with the remainder of the fifteens competitive season.
While certain judgements have already been made in terms of suspended rugby activities, events and championships; we are fully aware that more assessments are yet to come with the COVID-19 condition yet to find resolve. It needs to be made clear that claims for Accident and Liability Insurance will not be accepted during the period of suspension with no rugby activities taking place.
Our Board of Directors have met frequently over the last three weeks in response to the impact of COVID-I9 on the USA Rugby community and supports the decision to suspend play for the foreseeable future. The Board will continue to meet and conduct its business remotely and securely.
In the interest of providing the most up to date information in real time through this fluid situation, USA Rugby has developed a dedicated COVID-19 information page on the website for members and fans to reference at any time.
VISIT USA RUGBY COVID-19 INFORMATION PAGE »
We understand the impact this places on our members and organizations hoping to compete this spring, however we as a rugby community must do our part in limiting the effect of this global pandemic.
With multiple moving pieces already in play, I want to provide the following status update on some important initiatives and operations;
USA RUGBY ECONOMIC IMPACT
International and domestic competition continues to absorb the impact of cancelation and postponement, both through membership and other revenue streams. USA Rugby is conscious of these implications and implementing precautions to mitigate financial risk. At this stage, USA Rugby is reducing operating costs internally and those correlated with canceled or postponed programs.
USA RUGBY REORGANIZATION TASK FORCE
The Reorganization Task Force continues to operate on a remote basis through the COVID-19 pandemic. All members and operation of the Task Force have understandably been impacted by measures taken to combat the spread of the virus, therefore possible delays in the timeline are being accounted for. Updates and information will continue to be communicated by the Task Force and USA Rugby.
OPERATIONS: USA RUGBY NATIONAL TEAMS
The USA Eagles National Teams, both XVs & 7s, are similarly observing the hiatus of group activities in residency and their respective competitions. With Tokyo 2020 still on the horizon, the Men's and Women's Sevens teams are each preparing within the confines of social distancing. The Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista remains open to individual outdoor training; however all communal areas are closed for the foreseeable future. Coaches and staff across all programs are in close contact and providing curriculum for athletes to keep in regimen, tailored to the guidance of health officials.
Follow along with USA Rugby Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and check-ins with the USA Eagles as their journey continues.
OPERATIONS: USA RUGBY NATIONAL OFFICE
Operations at the USA Rugby National Office have followed state and federal guidance by moving workstations home. Administrative operations continue remotely during this period, members are still encouraged to engage and communicate with USA Rugby Headquarters for their needs and requests.
CONTACT THE USA RUGBY NATIONAL OFFICE »
To address questions and inquiries, we will host a LIVE Q&A on the USA Rugby Facebook next week with hopes new information will be available. Stay tuned for further information on when that will be available.
Thank you again for your continued support as we collectively navigate back towards a normal rugby environment for everyone.
Sincerely,
Ross Young
CEO, USA Rugby
