March 24, 2022
As of 11:59 pm this Friday, there will no longer be crowd restrictions at vaccinated outdoor rugby league events.
Those who hold a My Vaccine Pass (MVP) can attend this weekend’s National 20s, and Women’s Premiership matches at Trusts Stadium in Auckland.
MVPs will be checked at all NZRL events until April 4th to allow for unlimited gatherings.
From April 4th, vaccine passes will no longer be required; however, venues may still choose to use them in some cases.
It’s important to note masks are not mandatory for outdoor events but still encouraged, and there is no longer a need to scan in.
Indoor gatherings have increased to 200, but seated hospitality and face mask requirements remain for indoor settings.
Despite the ease in restrictions, we still encourage all in our rugby league communities to practise care in the community. Any person feeling unwell or presenting cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should isolate immediately and get tested.
We thank all of our communities for their patience and co-operation; we look forward to seeing you back at the rugby league fields soon.
February 24, 2022
Does NZRL require players to be fully vaccinated?
For NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, players, staff, volunteers and spectators need to be fully vaccinated, yes.
Vaccines are necessary for these events and competitions to run under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Is NZRL mandating vaccinations for players under 12?
No. Players under 12 are treated as vaccinated. They are still counted toward the capacity limit of an event or gathering but do not contribute to the vaccination status of an event or gathering.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated to play any rugby league in New Zealand?
No. If you are unvaccinated, you can still partake in rugby league activity (e.g. 9s, training) subject to a 25 person gathering limit.
Multiple gatherings of up to 25 can take place (players and team management being one gathering and spectators a separate gathering); however, these must be defined by 2m spaces (2m) and must NOT mix.
Zones, districts, clubs and venues reserve the right to require proof of vaccination at any organised gathering or event within their respective regions.
What if there is only one person who is not vaccinated?
If someone is not vaccinated, the gathering they are involved in will need to abide by the 25 person gathering limit.
Do spectators need to be vaccinated?
For NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, yes. Vaccines are necessary for these events and competitions to run under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Can attendees use a negative Covid-19 test to attend an event or gathering where vaccine passes are required?
No. A negative test is not a substitute for vaccinations for events or gatherings. If there are unvaccinated people at your event or gathering, then you must follow the rules and limits for where vaccine passes are not used.
Can one-day or multi-day Tournaments take place at Red if everyone is vaccinated?
Vaccinated tournament days or weekends involving multiple matches can take place if the total number of players participating is no more than 100.
OR
Multiple gatherings of up to 100 are taking place, but they are defined by 2m spaces and do not mix. Each group of 100 needs to remain as is for the duration of the event.
If multiple matches against different opposition teams involve over 100 people mixing, this event should not go ahead.
Are staff included in the gathering limits?
No. Team staff, coaches, referees and event staff/volunteers at organised community sport gatherings are classed as workers and do not count towards gathering limits. However, they still contribute to the vaccination status of an event or gathering.
Can gatherings in defined spaces share the same entrances, toilets and changing facilities?
It is okay for multiple gatherings in defined spaces to use the same entrances and share toilets/changing facilities so long as the risks of intermingling groups is limited as far as possible.
Queuing or congregating should not take place in common areas. Masks should be worn in common areas or facilities accessed by gatherings (like shared toilets).
The Ministry of Health also recommends ensuring frequent cleaning of bathroom facilities and drinking fountains. Clubs could encourage members to bring water bottles filled from home and provide reminders about how to use drinking fountains most hygienically.
What if I have a vaccine exemption?
In the rare case a person meets the specified exemption criteria, the application is submitted to the temporary medical exemptions panel run by the Ministry of Health. If the application is granted, then a copy of the exemption will be provided in written or electronic form, noting the expiry date of the exemption, which is for up to six months.
If you’re given a temporary medical exemption, you will see a record of this in My Covid Record. When your pass is scanned at venues, your exemption status will not be disclosed to the business. You will be able to gain access like everyone else.
When is it mandatory to wear a face mask?
Unless you are eating, drinking or exercising, you need to wear a mask. Players and referees must wear face masks before and after a game, not during.
Is it okay if I just use a bandana or scarf or a towel as a face covering?
No. As of 11.59 pm, Thursday 3 February, in the Red setting, alternative face coverings such as bandannas, scarves and t-shirts are no longer allowed to be used instead of a face mask.
What if I have a mask exemption?
You will need to present your Mask Exemption Card or letter from your doctor prior to entering the grounds. We know some people have a disability or health condition where they may not be able to wear a face mask safely or comfortably.
Mask Exemption Cards are issued by the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA). While at the facility, please carry your Mask Exemption Card with you in case you are questioned by concerned members or staff.
What do we do if there’s a positive case at our gathering or event / it becomes a location of interest?
At Phase 3 (as of 25 February), close contacts no longer need to isolate and locations of interest will not be published.
Contact tracing will focus on identifying high risk contacts of cases. If someone at your gathering or event tests positive for COVID-19, they will be supported to notify people they may have spent time with while infectious.
Notified close contacts should monitor symptoms for 10 days. If anyone develops symptoms they need to get a test, and should isolate until they get their result.
What do I have to do if I test positive for Covid-19?
You are required to isolate for 10 days. You will be contacted by the Ministry of Health by text and directed to complete a Covid-19 Contact tracing form online. This will assist to target places of interest you went to or were at while infectious. You will be given instructions and will need to advise contacts so they can get tested. For example, if you were at training, you will need to notify your team management and club who will contact fellow players and parents. If you have the NZ COVID Tracer app this will assist in identifying and notifying.
If I test positive for Covid-19, what happens to my whānau or household?
If you live with whānau or have flatmates or people living at your address, they are household contacts. Household contacts must isolate for 10 days. They are required to get a Covid-19 test on day 3 and day 10 of isolation.
What if I am identified as a close contact of someone who is infected with Covid-19 but don’t live at the same address?
At Phase 3 (as of 25 February), close contacts no longer need to isolate. If you get a notification from your workplace, school or through the NZ COVID Tracer app that you are a Close Contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days. If you develop symptoms get a test, and you should isolate until you get your result.
If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are considered a Household Contact and will need to isolate for 10 days. You must get a test on Day 3 and Day 10 of your isolation. If you develop symptoms you should get a test sooner. If you are a Household Contact and you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days.
Please note Government guidance is subject to change in response to the Omicron outbreak.
23 January 2022
New Zealand moves to RED at 11:59pm tonight meaning rugby league events that check vaccine passes are able to go ahead with a 100 person gathering limit.
Any rugby league events that do not wish to check vaccine passes can not go ahead, gatherings are limited to 25 people.
10 November 2021
Today, Tāmaki Makaurau has moved to Alert Level 3.2, where contact training and rugby league activity remains suspended.
All contact sports involving the sharing of equipment cannot be played at this level.
At Alert Level 3.2, outdoor gatherings have increased to 25, only if outdoor activity can be done safely. Face coverings need to be worn while keeping a 2-metre distance from those in your gathering.
Outdoor training and exercise classes are permitted if you can maintain a safe distance without coming into contact with those around you.
Clubrooms and other indoor recreational facilities remain closed.
NZRL encourage all those in our rugby league communities to get vaccinated against Covid-19; for more information, please visit https://karawhiua.nz/where-to-get-vaccinated/
Continue to use the NZ Covid Tracer app with Bluetooth tracing turned on, and stay home if you are unwell. Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested.
NZRL will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to government updates.
26th October 2021
A collective of Pacific sporting legends has united to play their part in the effort to increase the vaccination rate for Pacific peoples (12 – 34 years of age) by encouraging them to get their Covid-19 vaccination.
Stay in the game! Get your Shot! is the key message from the newly formed Pasifika Sports Collective, a group of sporting legends including former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi, former All Black and Manu Samoa international Namulauulu Alama Ieremia, former Kiwi Fern and Manusina representative Cynthia Ta’ala-Timaloa, former Kiwis and New Zealand Warrior Motu Tony, and ex-Silver Fern Linda Vagana, who all represented Samoa and/or New Zealand.
“Stay in the game! Get your Shot! is our way of encouraging Pasifika young people to get a Covid-19 vaccination to keep them and their families safe. Also, it ensures they can continue to pursue their sporting aspirations,” says Lemalu Semo Sititi, convenor of the Pasifika Sports Collective.
“We encourage young people to stay in the game and get their shots so they can continue to enjoy playing sport. If they get their vaccination shot, then they can safely play games and a full season of Rugby, Rugby League, Netball, Boxing or whatever sport they love.”
“Getting your vaccination shots is the best way for young people to safely participate in sport with their family members, teammates and coaches,” says Sititi, who played in 59 matches for Manu Samoa and appeared at three World Cups.
The Pasifika Sports Collective is also calling to action all athletes, administrators and coaches from all sporting codes to stand together to increase the vaccination rates for Pasifika in Auckland by joining this vaccination campaign.
The current vaccination rate for eligible Pacific people in Auckland (approximately 201,000) is at 82% first dose with 63% fully vaccinated. This trails the total Auckland population (approximately 1,433,000) which is at 90% first dose and 76% full vaccination. *
Current Auckland Rugby coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia says the collective are focused on helping Pacific young people to stay in the game as sport is viewed as a legitimate career path for many Pacific families.
“I know firsthand the reality of choosing sport as a career. There are strong financial incentives that can help lift an athlete and his aiga (family) out of their current situation and set them up financially for the next part of life. For many pacific families, a lot of time, money and effort are poured into sports from a young age,” he says.
“As coach of Auckland Rugby, I’ve seen how the sporting landscape has completely changed in the past three months. People will need to make the choice to get vaccinated if they want to train with teammates, travel overseas to play games or competitions, and earn a living as a professional athlete, administrator or coach.”
The Pasifika Sports Collective have leapt into the vaccination game and will be hosting a vaccination event in Māngere on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 November. The vaccination drive-through event is aimed at Pacific young people who are involved in school sports or are members of sports clubs.
Current Manusina Assistant Coach, Cynthia Ta’ala-Timaloa is a key lead in the operations team for the vaccination drive through event which will be held at Mangere East Hawks Rugby League Club, 10 Hain Ave.
“We’re proud to represent our countries on the sports field, and now ready to play our part to get our people vaccinated in our communities. Our pacific heart and spirit have drawn us together, which means getting off the sidelines and helping others to get vaccinated,” she says.
“I’ve been supporting a few vaccination events in the past month across Auckland. Pacific people are coming out in their thousands to get vaccinated because they see their family and friends helping to run these events. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, take this opportunity to get your shot and stay in the game for you, your loved ones and community.”
The Pasifika Sports Collective is made up of athletes, administrators and coaches who are currently or formerly involved in sport. They first came together as Samoans in sport responding to the rally call by Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi, a movement that started in September to help increase the vaccination rate for Samoans in Auckland.
About Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi
Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi is a movement under Prepare Pacific to help our Samoan community in Auckland find information primarily in Gagana Samoa (Samoa Language) on Covid-19 and the Covid-19 Vaccination that is most relevant to them.
Following the most recent outbreak of the Delta variant in South Auckland, a Facebook page, Samoa Tutū Fa’atasi, was launched on Monday 6 September and an Instagram recently. The page is primarily in Gagana Samoa (Samoa language) and is gaining a growing following with Samoans in Auckland, Samoa, and communities in Australia and USA.
Community stories and testimonies have been shared from Samoans in Auckland including Rugby League legend Ruben Wiki and formerManu Samoa international Tino Junior Poluleuligaga and features a popular ‘Sa’o pe Sese’ (True or False) segment with South Auckland based GP, Doctor Emma Ropati (Chang-Wai) and Doctor Vaaiga Autagavaia.
22 October 2021
In light of yesterday’s Covid announcement, the following National Competition games have been cancelled due to a Level 3 extension in the Waikato: Waikato Mana v Upper Central Zone Men and remaining Upper Central Women’s games against Mid Central and Canterbury. The competition points for each game will be shared.
The National Competition finals are taking place next Saturday, 30 October at Nga Puna Wai stadium in Christchurch.
Canterbury Women and Wellington Orcas Women will face off in the Sky Sport National Women’s competition final at 12 pm. Then the Canterbury Bulls will take on the Upper Central Stallions in the National Men’s Final at 2 pm. Both games will be televised live on Sky Sport.
*Please note there are no Waikato based players in the Upper Central Stallions Men’s team.
The 2nd place Final between the Otago Whalers and Wellington Orcas is also scheduled for Saturday 30 October; kick-off time and broadcasting are to be confirmed pending travel arrangements.
NZRL would like to thank all zones, districts and players for their understanding and co-operation during this time.
In the meantime, NZRL encourages all those in Level 3 regions, Tāmaki Makaurau and Waikato, to stick to their bubbles, wear a face mask, and continue to abide by Covid protocol.
Any person feeling unwell or presenting cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
20 October 2021
The Auckland 16s and 18s Youth Competitions have unfortunately been cancelled due to Auckland remaining at Alert Level 3 for the next two weeks, with no ease in restrictions.
No contact training is permitted at Alert Level 3; therefore, Auckland teams have insufficient time to prepare for a safe return to play.
NZRL explored alternative playing opportunities later in the year; however, these impeded school exam time and scheduled summer sports seasons.
NZRL will provide an update following Friday’s press conference regarding Waikato’s ability to re-enter the National Competition. Northland will re-enter the Youth Competition this weekend due to their change in Alert Level.
GM of High Performance and Football, Motu Tony, said, “It’s disappointing, and we really feel for the Auckland players during this time.”
“Rest assured, the 2022 calendar will see our current age group representative opportunities return, plus more; it will be our busiest year yet. So I encourage everyone to keep their heads held high and continue to play their part in stamping out the virus.”
12 October 2021
In light of Auckland remaining at Alert Level 3, Counties Manukau, Akarana and the Auckland Vulcans unfortunately cannot compete in the NZRL Men’s and Women’s National Competition for 2021.
NZ16s, NZ18s Girls and Schools v Clubs 18s matches scheduled for 13th – 14th November in Auckland have also been cancelled, with Auckland based players unable to participate in the representative weekend.
NZRL have considered pushing the representative weekend out to later in November; however, this impedes student exam time and scheduled summer sports events.
We will provide an update following Monday’s press conference regarding potential alternative playing opportunities for Auckland Youth teams (Alert Level dependent).
In the meantime, we encourage all those in Level 3 regions, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato and Northland, to stick to their bubbles, wear a face mask, and continue to abide by Covid protocol. Any person feeling unwell or presenting cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
NZRL will provide further detail on Waikato and Northland participation in this weekend’s National and Youth competitions following Wednesday’s press conference.
08 October 2021
There are no crowds permitted at any NZRL National or Youth Competiton games for the remainder of the four week season.
A blanket no crowd policy across the country is the safest option due to the continuously changing nature of Alert Levels for different regions participating in our competitions.
Our priority is to keep our players and communities safe while ensuring our competitions can continue.
We understand this is frustrating for those residing in regions currently at Alert Level 2, and we apologise for the inconvenience this causes.
However, some venues and local authorities within these regions still operate at a higher Alert Level despite eased gathering restrictions.
The current unpredictability of Alert Levels across the country means a blanket no crowd policy remains our best option in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all involved in our competitions.
This coming Monday, we will provide further detail on Waikato and Northland teams due to Northland’s move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm tonight.
03 October 2021
With Hamilton and Raglan at Alert Level 3, the following changes have been made to Round 2 of the NZRL National and Youth Competitions this week.
YOUTH COMPETITION CHANGES
Friday 8 October – Upper Central Stallions 16s v Wellington 16s Rotorua International Stadium POSTPONED
Friday 8 October – Upper Central Stallions 18s v Wellington 18s Rotorua International Stadium POSTPONED
National Youth Competition games for Northland, South Island, Wellington and Mid Central 16s and 18s can still go ahead in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty – as travel has been arranged directly to Rotorua Airport, nothing goes via Auckland or Hamilton.
You can view this weekend’s National Youth Comp games here – https://www.youtube.com/skysportnext
SKY SPORT NATIONAL MEN’S COMPETITION CHANGE
Saturday 9 October – Waikato Mana v Upper Central Stallions, Davies Park Huntly, 12pm POSTPONED
SKY SPORT NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMPETITION CHANGE
Sunday 10 October – Canterbury v Upper Central Stallions, Nga Puna Wai Christchurch, 12pm POSTPONED
NZRL will release further information regarding rescheduled games in due course.
20 September 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 Tuesday, September 21 at 11.59 pm for at least two weeks. All rugby league activity remains suspended at Alert Level 3.
Aucklanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement, and despite the level change, keep bubbles tight.
A bespoke Level 4 lockdown has been announced for those in the Mangatangi region. Anyone who has visited or lived there since September 8 has been asked to isolate and monitor symptoms. All rugby league activity in the region is suspended until further notice.
For those in Alert Level 2, gathering limits have changed to allow a maximum of 100 people.
For those OUTSIDE AUCKLAND, Alert Level 2 means rugby league activity can re-commence ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by all of the below health requirements.
Remember to use the NZ Covid Tracer app with Bluetooth tracing turned on.
Thank you for your ongoing resilience and cooperation.
September 13, 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 until 11:59 pm Tuesday, September 21; all activity remains suspended.
Aucklanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
Those outside Auckland will remain at Alert Level 2 until 11:59 pm Tuesday September 21. Alert Level 2 means rugby league activity can re-commence ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by the strict health requirements below.
06 September 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, those outside Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 tomorrow, Tuesday 7th September at 11:59 pm.
Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 for another week until Monday, September 13, all rugby league activity in the region remains suspended.
No regional travel is allowed across boundaries, except for essential workers.
03 September 2021
The Government’s extension of Alert Level 4 in the Auckland region for another 2 weeks until at least 14 September has now forced the cancellation of the remainder of the season for all Auckland Rugby League grades.
The decision which has been endorsed by the ARL Board of Directors – means all competition grades
from U13 up to the SAS Fox Memorial premiership are now cancelled, with mini/mod (U6-U12) grades having already been cancelled last week.
No winners will be declared for any competition grade.
Auckland Rugby League CEO Greg Whaiapu said as well as running out of time to safely complete the season before the impending New Zealand Rugby League National Competitions and the start of the summer sports season, the ARL has an obligation to prioritise the health and safety of all participants.
“It’s unfortunate news to be delivering and an outcome none of us wanted,” Whaiapu said.
“In making this decision we considered, among other things, the fact that teams have not been able to complete contact training for what is currently several weeks due to the restrictions in place, and therefore would be put at a higher risk of suffering injury if asked to return straight into games”.
“While we pushed the proposed return to play dates out as far as we could, the reality is there is no longer enough weeks left to safely complete our season either.
“At this point I’d like to acknowledge the work of our clubs and the people involved with them, through what has been another challenging year for everyone.”
This cancellation applies to club grades only and at this stage does not impact planned Auckland Rugby League National representative games or Kiwi Tag modules scheduled for later in the year.
30th August 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 for another two weeks until at least Monday, September 13.
Northland is set to move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm this Thursday, subject to negative test results.
Those south of the Auckland boundary will move to Alert Level 3 tomorrow at 11:59 pm, for at least one week, with cabinet set to review progress, Monday September 6.
Under both Alert Level 4 and Alert Level 3, all rugby league activity (playing, contact and non-contact training) is suspended.
New Zealanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
Those in Level 3 ONLY can expand household bubbles to reconnect with close family/whanau.
Face masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport for essential travel, visiting supermarkets and essential services.
NZRL is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to ongoing Government updates.
We thank our rugby league communities for their ongoing resilience and understanding.
27th August 2021
In light of today’s Covid-19 announcement, New Zealand remains at Alert Level 4 until Tuesday 11:59 pm, August 31.
Those south of the Auckland boundary are set to move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm Tuesday, subject to government updates.
On Monday, August 30, Cabinet will decide how long Auckland and potentially Northland will remain at Alert Level 4. Aucklanders have been advised to expect an extended period at Alert Level 4.
NZRL will continue to update you with the latest information, subject to ongoing Government updates.
In the meantime, New Zealanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
No regional travel is allowed across boundaries, except for essential workers, when applicable.
24th August 2021
In light of yesterday’s Covid-19 announcement, this is a reminder that all rugby league activity remains suspended under current Level 4 restrictions.
Auckland will remain at Level 4 until at least Wednesday, September 1st. The remainder of New Zealand remains at Level 4 until at least Saturday 28th August, subject to ongoing government updates.
All rugby league activity under Alert Level 4 (playing, contact and non-contact training) is suspended.
Face masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport, visiting supermarkets and engaging in essential services.
23 August 2021
NZRL is sad to announce the 2021 New Zealand Rugby League Secondary Schools Tournament scheduled to begin Monday, August 30th in Auckland has been called off due to the current Delta Covid-19 outbreak.
This is following the announcement from School Sport NZ cancelling all sanctioned events through until September 6th. NZRL is working with stakeholders to explore all options; however, under these current conditions, the tournament cannot go ahead.
We understand this is hugely disappointing for everyone involved and apologise for the inconvenience caused; however, safety and wellbeing remain paramount.
We encourage everyone to continue to follow Covid-19 protocol so collectively we can return to the rugby league fields when it is safe to do so again.
We thank all our rugby league communities for their ongoing patience and understanding.
17 August 2021
In light of this evening’s Covid-19 announcement, New Zealand is moving to Alert Level 4 at 11:59pm for three days; with Auckland and the Coromandel remaining in Alert Level 4 for an extra five days. All rugby league activity under Alert Level 4 (playing, contact and non-contact training) is postponed, subject to ongoing Government updates.
Face masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport for essential travel. Face masks are also encouraged when visiting supermarkets and essential services.
12 March 2021
With the Auckland region moving to Alert to Level 1 at midday today, crowds are now permitted at all NZRL National 20s games.
NZRL is encouraging clubs and all involved in the game to continue to maintain a high level of awareness and hygiene at all rugby league activities, including trainings and games.
While the mandatory Government requirements are significantly reduced under Level 1, clubs are still required to display NZ COVID Tracer QR posters and should have a manual tracing log available too.
All rugby league participants are encouraged to keep track of where they have been.
Good handwashing practices and coughing and sneezing into elbows, not hands, remain important.
Any person feeling unwell should stay home and avoid rugby league activities, and if they present with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if they need a test.
05 March 2021
Rugby league activity in Auckland may resume as of 6.00am on Sunday, March 7, provided the Level 2 requirements set in place by the New Zealand Government can be followed.
Although the remainder of the country will move to Alert Level 1 on Sunday, where gathering restrictions are eased, please note there are still NO CROWDS permitted at this weekend’s NZRL National 20s match between Central Districts vs. South Island at Jerry Collins Stadium in Wellington.
NZRL will provide a further update on the National 20s crowd restrictions for the remaining rounds next week.
Under Alert Level 2 restrictions, which Auckland will move to from 6am on Sunday, gatherings for sport are permitted if limited to groups of 100 or less and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
This applies to any form of rugby league activity, including trainings, games and other gatherings.
At all Alert Levels, electronic and manual contact tracing must be available and placed prominently at the entry point to any facility (indoor and outdoor). Click here to download and learn more about the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Anybody displaying symptoms of sickness, awaiting COVID-19 test results or linked to locations of interest for recent COVID-19 cases of sickness should not participate (or leave home).
High standards of hygiene must be adhered to at any rugby league activity or training, including regular and thorough washing and drying of hands, with hand sanitiser made readily available and used at regular intervals.
If any club, team or individual is not able to comply with the requirements listed below they must not resume rugby league activity.
Click here for full Ministry of Health guidelines and advice.
09 March 2021
Due to Auckland being in Alert Level 3, where all rugby league activity (playing, contact and non-contact training) remains postponed for the remainder of the week (pending Government update), the NZRL National 20s competition schedule has been rearranged.
This Sunday, 7 March, the 12 pm match between Central Districts vs. South Island at Jerry Collins Stadium in Wellington will go ahead as planned WITHOUT CROWDS.
The two other Round Two games (Northland vs. Auckland White and Waicoa Bay vs. Auckland Blue) have been rescheduled to take place on Friday, 2 April in Opaheke, Auckland.
As a result of the reschedule, the grand final has now been moved to Saturday 10April, 12:30 pm at Opaheke, Auckland.
Unfortunately, Takahiwai will no longer host any 20s games for the year; however, Northland will get a home game at Trigg Arena (Whangarei Stadium) on Saturday 27 March, 2:30 pm vs. Auckland Blue.
All of the NZRL National 20s games can be viewed live on Sky Sport 4, as well as Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL for Australian viewers.
For those OUTSIDE AUCKLAND, rugby league activity is permitted ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by all of the below health requirements:
NZRL will provide further guidance regarding return to rugby league activity for Auckland and any further update on the National 20s competition when possible (subject to Government updates).
The health and wellbeing of our communities remain the priority. Please wear a mandatory face mask if taking public transport and continue to abide by the above health and safety requirements.
Thank you for your ongoing co-operation and understanding during this time.
28 February 2021
As of 6am this morning the Auckland region is back at Alert Level 3 for the next seven days meaning all rugby league activity (training and playing) in the region is suspended.
The remainder of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2 where gatherings are restricted to groups of 100 and physical distancing of two metres for those not on the field is observed.
As result, the NZRL National 20s game between Northland and the South Island scheduled for 2pm at Nga Puna Wai today will have no crowds.
NZRL will provide an update regarding the remainder of the National 20s schedule in the next 24 hours.
Any person feeling unwell should stay home and if they present with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if they need a test.
February 23 2021
With the Auckland region having moved to Level 1 as of February 23, NZRL is encouraging clubs and all involved in the game to continue to maintain a high level of awareness and hygiene at all rugby league activities, including trainings and games.
UPDATE: August 12, 2020
In light of New Zealand’s move to Alert Level 2 (not including Auckland) rugby league activity (training and playing) is permitted, ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by strict health requirements below, until further notice.
These requirements include what ‘must’ be done such as:
As of the 24th of August, it is mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport.
Please refer to your appropriate District and Club for more specific information on upcoming competitions and fixtures.
All Auckland rugby league activity (training and playing) remains postponed until further notice, subject to Government updates.
We appreciate this is an unsettling time, however we remain vigilant and prepared to tackle this collectively once again.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
August 14, 2020
In light of this evening’s Covid-19 announcement, Auckland is remaining at Level 3 for an extended 12 days; therefore all rugby league activity (playing, contact and non-contact training) remains postponed until August 26th subject to ongoing Government updates.
Aucklanders are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement. The area covered by Alert Level 3 is the Auckland Super City – from Wellsford in the north to Pukekohe in the south.
The remainder of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2 (excluding Auckland); therefore rugby league activity (training and playing) is permitted, ONLY if clubs and facilities can abide by strict health requirements below, until further notice.
These requirements include what ‘must’ be done, such as:
NZRL is in close dialogue with Government and Sport NZ and will provide further guidance regarding return to rugby league activity for Auckland when possible (subject to Government updates).
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding during this time.
August 13, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place across the Auckland region, all Auckland Rugby League games scheduled to be played during the August 14-16 round have been cancelled and will be treated as a ‘Washout Round’.
The ‘Washout Round’ means impacted games will not be rescheduled, with no competition points awarded for the round.
As it stands the Government has placed Auckland under Level 3 restrictions until at least midnight on Friday, August 14, and even if the alert level is lowered ARL CEO Greg Whaiapu said games will not take place this weekend.
“Given the strict COVID-19 protocols that need to be followed, there wouldn’t be enough time for clubs to ensure they have appropriate measures in place even if the alert level was lowered,” Whaiapu said.
“With that in mind we are making the call now because we feel it is in the best interests of everyone involved, regarding their health and safety.”
Updates on future rounds for all grades will be provided at a later date, pending further Government rulings and advice.
In the meantime, all rugby league activity in Auckland, including trainings and gatherings, is suspended.
NZRL is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update you with the latest information.
Up until April 4th, for NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, players, staff, volunteers and spectators need to be fully vaccinated, yes.
From April 4th vaccine passes are no longer required
Up until April 4th, for NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, yes. Vaccines are necessary for these events and competitions to run under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Are Australian vaccine passes acceptable proof of vaccination?
Overseas COVID-19 vaccination certificates and passes can’t be used as proof of vaccination within New Zealand. People in this situation need to apply to have their overseas vaccinations recognised in New Zealand by submitting evidence of them. You can find all the information here: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/my-covid-record-proof-vaccination-status/covid-19-overseas-vaccinations-and-my-vaccine-pass#evidence
I am not able to be vaccinated due to a recent covid infection, can I still play in a tournament or competition where vaccine passes are checked?
It is recommended that you wait at least 4 weeks after you recover before getting the first or second dose. An application for exemption will need to made and provided the your local district our competition manager. You can find the information here on how to do that https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-response-planning/covid-19-mandatory-vaccinations/covid-19-exemptions-mandatory-vaccination
From March 25 face masks outside are no longer mandatory but recommended. Face mask requirements remain for indoor settings.
Alternative face coverings such as bandannas, scarves and t-shirts are no longer allowed to be used instead of a face mask. From March 25 face masks outside are no longer mandatory but recommended. Face mask requirements remain for indoor settings.
You will need to present your Mask Exemption Card or letter from your doctor prior to entering the indoor premisis. We know some people have a disability or health condition where they may not be able to wear a face mask safely or comfortably.
Contact tracing will focus on identifying high-risk contacts of cases. If someone at your gathering or event tests positive for COVID-19, they will be supported to notify people they may have spent time with while infectious.
You are required to isolate for 7 days. You will be given instructions and will need to advise contacts so they can get tested. For example, if you were at training, you will need to notify your team management and club who will contact fellow players and parents. If you have the NZ COVID Tracer app this will assist in identifying and notifying.
If you live with whānau or have flatmates or people living at your address, they are household contacts. Household contacts must isolate for 7 days.
At Phase 3 (as of 25 February), close contacts no longer need to isolate. If you get a notification from your workplace, school or through the NZ COVID Tracer app that you are a Close Contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 7 days. If you develop symptoms get a test, and you should isolate until you get your result.
If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are considered a Household Contact and will need to isolate for 7 days. If you develop symptoms you should get a test sooner. If you are a Household Contact and you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days.
