Covid-19 Spring 2021 Update

To all of our CGRU members,

As several states tighten their Covid-19 restrictions and with the winter weather arriving, we are seeing case numbers rise and the probability of having consistent rules across our geographical jurisdiction drop, not allowing us to start 15s matrix play in February.  There has been a case of one of our regional teams having several positive tests after practice this fall.  Many cities are not allowing the use of practice facilities at this time and there are orders in place to keep those restrictions for the foreseeable future.

There are several bright spots giving us some hope, with the vaccines being developed at a record pace, hospitalizations not spiking with the cases, and a death rate below that of the flu.

We mention these items to explain that we just do not see a path forward for rugby to be played safely before the weather warms up.  We hope that we can have 15s Matrix play this Spring. To give you certainty and predictability, we are working on redoing all schedules for a later start.  Savannah is planning on having their Tournament on March 6^th.  If we are in a position to do so safely, Matrix play will start the following weekend on March 13^th , play again on March 20^th and 27^th . We will then take off April 3^rd  for Easter weekend, then resume play on April 10^th, 17^th, and 24^th . This will give us a four to a six-match regular season.  On May 1^st  we will start our playoffs with the higher seeds hosting and on May 8^th have the winning teams play for a GU championship.  We are also looking to see if we can get some sort of Regional Invitational Championship on May 22^nd & 23^rd.

Keep in mind that Memorial Day is May 31^st , 2021 and typically Charleston kicks off the 7s season with their Memorial Day weekend tournament.  This is subject to change,  but we currently are not planning on pursuing a 15s season in the summer as there is an effort to have a 7s National Championship and it would push back the start of the 2021-22 season.

We also want to impress upon every one that it is vital for teams to follow USA Rugby protocols (see the USAR Return to Play guidelines) and continue to stay safe if we hope to have a 15s season this Spring.  The more we work together, abiding by established best practices, the higher the likelihood that will occur.  We all want to play rugby.  Your competition chairs will be in touch soon.

Sincerely,

The Carolinas Rugby Union Board of Directors