Updates – COVID-19
As the global health situation continues to evolve, BC Rugby would like to keep our community up to date with the latest information regarding our response to COVID-19, and additional developments throughout the national and international rugby scene.
Rugby Canada announces indefinite suspension of rugby activity
On April 3, 2020, Rugby Canada informed all Provincial Rugby Unions that the Board of Directors had approved extending the current suspension on all Rugby Canada sanctioned activities indefinitely. Rugby Canada are committed to reviewing this no later than June 30, 2020.
BC Rugby cancels 2019-20 season, BC Summer Games cancels 2020 event
BC Rugby has announced that the 2019-20 Club Season is cancelled. This decision was made in light of numerous factors, including federal and provincial government announcements that social distancing measures will be remaining in place for some time and the Vancouver Parks Board’s decision to keep all outdoor recreational facilities closed until May 30th at the earliest.
In addition, the BC Summer Games announced that the 2020 event has been cancelled. The City of Maple Ridge was scheduled to host this year’s event, and has instead been awarded the 2024 edition of the tournament. Prince George will host the event in 2022. BC Summer games President and CEO Alison Noble said “It is very unfortunate for athletes and coaches across the province who will not have a BC Games experience this summer, but this is bigger than all of us.”
2020 Tokyo Olympics postponed
The International Olympic Committee has announced that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will be postponed to 2021. This news comes after the Canadian Olympic Committee announced it would not attend the Games if they went ahead in 2020 as scheduled. While a date for the Summer Games hasn’t yet been announced, they will be held beyond 2020 but no later than summer 2021. “It makes sense given where everything is at and it allows athletes to concentrate on staying healthy first and foremost,” said Canadian men’s rugby sevens co-captain Harry Jones.
BC Rugby AGM will be held virtually on June 20, 10am
The Board unanimously approved the first ever virtually-held AGM to take place on Saturday, June 20 at 10am. We hope this will facilitate Province-wide representation and possibly set a new format for AGM meetings moving forward. Given this new setting, we will only conduct AGM business on this date and will look to schedule other key business meetings throughout the next few months.
Update from Competitions Committee
The Committee has decided not to award any titles for the 2019-20 season. This decision was determined after considering the balance of each league, feedback from Club representatives and the high value that we continue to place on playoff matches to determine Championship finalists and winners. However, we recognise and congratulate all teams on their efforts throughout this season and have posted final standings based on Section 5.10 (a) of the Rules of Competition.
PRCs Postponed While Summer Representative Season Under Review
The 2020 Provincial Regional Championships (PRCs) were scheduled for June 27 to 29 at UBC, Vancouver. Given the indefinite suspension of rugby activities as well as social-distancing and event restrictions likely still being in effect, this event is postponed. In 2019, close to 1,000 age-grade players took part in this pivotal tournament which kicks-off the summer representative XVs season.
Stay Safe
BC Rugby asks you all to follow the Federal and Provincial Governments directives to collectively contain the spread of this deadly virus. Please visit Healthlink BC to learn the latest advice and guidance on preparing, containing and breaking the chain of COVID-19 transmission.
| COVID-19 – Frequently Asked Questions |
| BC Rugby will be continually updating its COVID-19 FAQ page to help with questions you may be having regarding the impact of COVID-19 on rugby activity in the province. This page also contains an extensive list of online rugby resources to help you stay engaged during self-isolation. Read Her |
| Rugby Canada Webinar Series |
| Over the past weeks, Rugby Canada has presented a series of free online webinars. The unique sessions are a great opportunity for the Canadian rugby community to engage and learn during these unprecedented times. Sign up for future sessions and rewatch previous events here. |
| Surrey’s Smith wins two prestigious UBC awards |
| An Earl Marriott Secondary alum is leaving the university rugby ranks with a pair of top UBC athletic honours – including one so prestigious it has only been handed out four times in 16 previous years. Article: Nick Greenizan, Surrey Now-Leader |
Photos of the Week
Canada women’s sevens teammates Olivia Apps and Caroline Crossley train during a promotional video for their Instagram takeover and Facebook Live Q&A on Wednesday.
If you have photos you’d like to see featured in our newsletter, please email Eric Thompson at media@bcrugby.com.