As many of you are aware the Vawdon Cup start date was scheduled for August 20, 2021.
The impact of the Public Health Orders and stay-at-home orders has meant the event has not been able to commence.
Further to this most affiliates have provided advice that they have not had the opportunity to select and prepare their teams. Information gathered from Affiliates during the lockdown period is that they would need four to five weeks to be able to prepare.
The NSWTA has prepared several options for playing a reduced format of the event.
As we have continued along the timeline, different scenarios have needed to be taken off the table. Leaving a final solution, a weekend event for metropolitan affiliates only, on the first weekend of November.
Taking all into consideration the NSW Touch Association has made the difficult but responsible decision to cancel the 2021 Vawdon Cup.
The COVID-19 situation remains across NSW, and 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.
As an industry, we are working to have NSW Health and the Government to have a return to community sport in line with the 70% double vaccination milestone. Regardless, the current vaccination schedule would not give us the clear window to be able to facilitate the event given the time needed for affiliates and participants to be ready.
We will now focus all efforts on the 2021 State Cup. It is our want and intent to deliver the event on its scheduled date, December 3-5. Should this not be possible we are currently investigating opportunities to postpone the event into the first quarter of 2022.
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.
Best wishes and stay safe.
