NRL introduces strict anti COVID measures to ensure season start

With teams set to return to pre-season training this week, the NRL has introduced strict measures to reduce the threat of Coronavirus infection among players.

In an effort to curb the spread ahead of the 2022 season, players will be tested daily, banned from indoor venues - such as pubs, clubs and cinemas - and have restrictions placed on gatherings at home.

The protocols form part of a concerted effort to reduce further COVID-related disruptions following two seasons of postponements, game relocations, bubbles and shutdowns.

The NRL's move comes as the A-League, National Basketball League (NBL) and cricket's Big Bash League each face significant disruptions to their summer seasons.

Aiming to ensure that COVID-19 will not stop the NRL season from kicking off in March, Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys has revealed that the NRL has 30,000 rapid antigen test kits with which to test players and officials.

As reported by Brisbane's The Courier-Mail, V’landy revealed the ARLC would consider allowing NRL clubs to add more full-time players to their squads at a board meeting scheduled later this month.

Confident that an unprecedented daily testing program which will be made possible by its stockpile of testing units, V'Landys noted "our rapid antigen testing regimen will ensure we continue as planned

“We went looking for a number of rapid antigen test kits in preparation for our protocols and we were successful in obtaining 30,000 units.

“Those test kits will allow us to test players daily and we will be able to identify cases and isolate them in accordance with health protocols and keep the unaffected players safe.”

Image: NRL action at the Sunshine Coast Stadium during the 2022 season. Credit: Sunshine Coast Council.