Temperature checks and plenty of tries – Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership week one round-up
- Organisers reiterate Covid-19 protocols as men’s and women’s leagues kick-off round one in style
Balls, beers and bagpipes. In some ways, it truly felt like rugby had made its return to Hong Kong after 274 days without action.
But unlike the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s (HKRU) 67 previous seasons, this edition has so far been heavily restricted by organisers as government-abiding Covid-19 “Return to Play” protocols remain critical. And rightly so, considering most of the world’s domestic rugby leagues are either still on hold or preparing for a comeback in the next few months.
Whether it be in Ho Man Tin, Happy Valley or Tin Shui Wai, there were – and will be – mandatory temperature checks and mask-wearing for all personnel (except when on the pitch), a maximum of 30 health-declared, socially distant players and staff per team allowed in attendance, and reminders to limit “non-essential contact” for in-game celebrations, water-breaks and reserves benches. While no fans were allowed in on the weekend, they would be expected to do the same once eventually permitted.
