NSW Touch Association has made the difficult but responsible decision to cancel the 2021 Country Championships.
As the COVID-19 situation remains across NSW, many of our regional affiliates remain in lockdown.
While the government is looking to reduce restrictions at 70% double vaccination rates, no mention has been made of a return to community sport at that level.
The current vaccination schedule would see this goal reached on October 18. The Country Championships are scheduled for October 16-17.
Even with the positive announcement from the government late last week, it has become very clear that the safe and logical decision was to abandon the event. Even if the COVID-19 outlook improved in some regional areas, the fact is that the Country Championships require substantial travel within the state and with differing levels of restrictions currently in place it is impossible for us to proceed.
We are working with Central Coast Council on the date for the 2022 Country Championships and will advise in due course.
As previously indicated a determination on a weekend style Metropolitan Cup in place of the 2021 Vawdon Cup will be made and advised shortly, based on the advice we are seeking from NSW Health and with a view to understanding Affiliate preparation lead-in time.
We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the State, NSW Health, the Office of Sport and Sport NSW. We will communicate any future recommendations, changes to COVID-19 Safety Plans or Public Health Orders impacting our sport.
