Touch New Zealand has announced the cancellation of the 2022 Bunnings National Youth Touch Championship and the 2022 Bunnings National Touch Championship, due to the nationwide change in traffic light status to red.
The decision was confirmed on Tuesday.
“Under the Covid-19 Protection Framework (CPF – Traffic light system), national events could only be held under an Orange or Green traffic light status. Whilst alternative options were considered (including postponement dates) it became clear there was no viable options to move forward with,” a Touch New Zealand statement said.
“Therefore, based on the Government’s recent decision to move the entire country to Red, the two National events have had to be cancelled.
“Touch NZ are deeply disappointed that the National events can no longer go ahead as planned, but the safety and well-being of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority. We thank all our partners, sponsors, supporters and volunteers who have helped in the lead up to these events and are grateful that participants will still be able to engage in our sport for the remainder of the season, albeit likely at a local and regional level.”
It is a bitter blow for the sport after the disruption of the past two years due to the virus.
“Understandably there will be lots of disappointment from our community, and we share this frustration,” Counties Manukau Touch Association chairman Tupu Marks said. “It’s a pretty tough blow, considering we’ve really only just started enjoying some sense of normal after Auckland’s lockdown and were really looking forward to the National season.
“What we need to look at now is how best we can support our province – players, coaches, referees and the wider community – we’re committed to exploring alternative options to safely play the game we love.”
The cancellation of Touch New Zealand’s National Tournaments follows the cancellation of last year’s Pacific Cup, Maori Touch Nationals, NZ Secondary Schools Nationals, Annual Whakatane Touch Tournament and the Tamariki Touch Classic.
“When you stand back and look at the impact COVID has had on our sport – the next 18 months are crucial. Our community will play a significant role in rebuilding the framework for our game, CMTA are committed to working with Touch New Zealand, our stakeholders, clubs and schools to regain the lost momentum,” Marks added.
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