PRESS RELEASE
Pittsburgh – Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant health and safety guidelines released by local and state officials, as well as the Return to Play Guidelines provided by USA Rugby, the Allegheny Rugby Union (ARU) has determined that safe play under current restrictions cannot be conducted. There, the ARU will not sanction any collegiate rugby activity at this time for fall 2020.
Guidance from the Midwest Rugby Football Union (MRFU) remains unchanged for senior level rugby. All senior clubs must follow MRFU return to play guidelines including their weekly health report to the ARU.
RELATED: Colleges’ playing status for fall 2020
While extremely unlikely, if condition improve in any of our competition states, the ARU will re-evaluate our guidance. Regardless of your local health guidance, the ARU does not sanction any collegiate rugby activity. While the overwhelming majority of our university and college clubs have been given institutional mandates restricting their ability to compete this fall, some remain allowed to practice at the moment. Any clubs willing to proceed with rugby related activity must sign up for National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) insurance.
In place of on-pitch competition this fall, the ARU is dedicated to providing our members with continuing education and engagement. Therefore, we ask that you follow our announcements at our website and various social media outlets. Virtual seminars will include a club professionalism series, coaching and referee clinics, grant application and/or funding clinics, live Q&As about the state of rugby with guests, and more!
For any unanswered questions, please see the Q&A section of the COVID-19 page on the ARU website. If these still do not satisfy your question, as always, reach out and get in contact with the ARU executive board at aruexecboard@gmail.com.