The rugby season could be further impacted after last weekend’s games at Southampton Oval were called off as a precaution following an increase in Covid-19 cases on the island.

Bermuda government health officials have urged mask-wearing and social distancing out in public, but the nature of contact sports like rugby makes it difficult to comply to social distancing especially.

“As you will be aware, we have a well-thought-out ‘Return to Rugby’ Covid plan that was developed in conjunction with World Rugby, with input from RAN and Rugby Canada,” explained Sean Field-Lament, president of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union.

“It speaks to a phased approach based on Covid status in the wider community. Rugby is a full-contact sport, and as such presents a much wider risk activity than other sports. We must be extremely mindful of that.

“Obviously, the BRFU are keen to resume playing rugby, there is considerable desire among the local rugby community to recommence youth rugby and start the men’s and women’s senior season.”

Field-Lament added: “In an effort to be as collaborative as possible in minimising community spread and in the current concerning context of a reported uptick in community spread, the BRFU made the difficult decision to cancel last weekend’s planned rugby’s activities.

“We will continue to monitor the developing situation with regards to Covid-19 on our island.

“We are in regular communication with the requisite government ministries and departments.

“As such, decisions in regards to any return to BRFU-sanctioned rugby fixtures and events are made on a weekly basis, based on the latest available information.

“Certainly based on our Covid plan we are looking for improvement in the current country status before acting. The BRFU is completely committed to ensuring that we do our part to limit the spread of Covid-19 within the community.”

It is not known if rugby action will take place this weekend, as the Covid situation continues to be monitored and guidelines followed.

“I would like to urge our extended rugby family to be patient, rugby will be played again when safe to do so,” Field-Lament stressed.

“It makes no sense to take one step forward and then risk three steps back at this stage.”