WHILE the date of their 2020 season kick-off might be still up in the air, the South Coast Monaro Rugby Union competition is currently making plans for a revised campaign.
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The Monaro Rugby Union board and their governing body, Brumbies Rugby, are in constant communication with one another in regards to different options available to them fo their 2020 season - which they hope to implement after June 1, should the COVID-19 spread be successfully controlled.
"Brumbies Rugby is coordinating discussions with all the clubs, so if and when we get the go-ahead for the season, there isn't a mad rush to get everything organised," South Coast Rugby Union president Peter Ryan said.
"This includes planning for a number of scenarios to get all the coaches players as ready as they can be, as there is so much uncertainty at the moment.
"One scenario is that we just scrap round one and just play the second half of the season, which was supposed to start on June 17 anyway.
"Another option we've discussed is running a carnival-style competition, where different clubs host matches each weekend - this way we can get more games into a shorter amount of time.
"But if we get to July 1 and we haven't seen any action yet, in my opinion, the season will be cancelled."
One option Ryan dismissed was the potential to run the season later, into the summer.
"Nearly all our grounds in the competition are seasonal, meaning we need to be done by the end of September, as that's when cricket takes over most the facilities," he said.
All participating clubs, such as the Batemans Bay Boars, will be involved in a league-wide forum to discuss the possible formats for the regular season and final - should rugby union get the all-clear to resume training and games from June 1.
"All the clubs will chat again on Thursday via a phone hookup, to discuss other possible alternatives," Ryan said.
"Every club wants to get out there and play as soon as possible but understand the severity of this coronavirus epidemic.
"Obviously rugby is such an integral part of small country towns like Braidwood, Crockwell and Taralga and they feel a little lost without the sport - but this is one of those instances where common sense has to prevail.
"At the end of the day, the buck stops with Rugby Australia, who will advise their various unions, such as the Brumbies - all we can do is have plans in place for whatever recommendations they hand down."
In the interim, South Coast Rugby is looking at reforming its own competition again 2021 as either a 10-a-side or 15-a-side competition.
Teams from Milton to Bega, plus Bombala and Braidwood, have played in the past and it is hoped regular games will again feature on the South Coast.
"We are looking at reforming a lot of clubs like Milton and Narooma, to play in the South Coast Rugby competition once again," Ryan said.
"The current South Coast Monaro competition is healthy, due to the high-quality rugby but the travel strain remains the biggest issue we have to deal with.
"Without any on-field action, all our current energy is being put to improving our competitions for years to come."