MAY 2 was meant to be the date when the Central West Rugby Union sides including the Mudgee Wombats would take to the field, but that wait has been extended.
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On Friday morning Rugby Australia announced that it and its member unions had made the collective decision to further postpone community rugby across the country until at least June 1.
All rugby activity including matches, training and face-to-face education courses will not be conducted during this period.
It follows a move earlier in the week which saw the suspension periods for Football NSW competitions extended as well.
With the third grade Blowes Clothing Cup competition struggling for teams, Bulldogs opted to field a side in the New Holland Cup for 2020.
The fate of three Shute Shield fixtures that were to be played in the Central West is now uncertain.
Cowra Rugby Club was going to host a standalone Shute Shield match on ANZAC Day when the Blowes Cup had a general bye.
Whether the Eagles will host a reschedule fixture is at this stage unknown.
Orange's Wade Park had been slated to host an Eastern Suburbs home Shute Shield game, with West Harbour scheduled to play the Beasties on May 23.
That same day was going to see the Orange City and Orange Emus Blowes Cup derby under lights.
Mudgee had also been set see Shute Shield action at Glen Willow. It was a May 9 clash between Sydney Uni and Northern Suburbs.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the length of time government restrictions will be in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, Rugby Australia and the state and territory unions are not in a position to provide a specific return date.
"During this postponement we will continue working with stakeholders across community rugby to plan for a range of recommencement dates," James Selby, Rugby Australia general manager of community rugby, said.
"In the interest of the safety and welfare of all participants, preparation and training time will be factored in ahead of rugby competitions recommencing.
"Community rugby and its people are the lifeblood of our great game and our decisions will always be made with the interests of participants, families and the broader community as the priority."
