Hong Kong, China, November 6, 2020: Rugby fans will get an important boost with the start of the Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership season on Saturday following a six-month break. The league involves six teams playing a 10-round regular season.
With attendance limited to essential playing and management personnel only - and a limit of 10 guests per team at King’s Park - all involved in this weekend’s showcase will balance the excitement of playing with the collective responsibility required to maintain public health.
HKRU Chairman Patrick Donovan said: “Rugby is a sport that develops and refines resilience, and this has once again been proven over the past few months.
“Looking back on a challenging year, I am most proud of the efforts of our rugby community to persevere and support each other. While we remain physically separated, we are united in our common goal of fighting the coronavirus, and our shared excitement at the kick-off of the rugby season.”
HKRU match day Covid-19 protocols:
*Appointment of Covid-19 protocol managers
*Three venues only to be used early in the season to assist with protocol compliance
*Mandatory mask policy for all personnel inside the venue at all times. Exemptions only allowed for athletes when playing or warming-up.
*Each team restricted to a maximum of 30 people for entry - 23 players and seven coaches, physios and other support staff.
*Prior to the start of the season, all players and officials will have completed mandatory health declaration forms which will be registered with the HKRU.
*All players and officials will be required to pass temperature checks before entry. Guests are required to complete similar health and safety measures (health declaration completion, temperature checks) before being admitted to the venue.
*Teams have been reminded to limit non-essential contact in games (no high fives, physically distanced bench seating, individual water bottles etc), while balls and other relevant gear will be disinfected regularly during play.
Given HKRU restrictions on public attendance, every Saxo Markets Premiership game will be streamed live on the HKRU’s digital channels.
Released on behalf of HKRU by Elite Step Asia
