Kenya Rugby Union cancels 2019/2020 season due to coronavirus

KCB rugby team players celebrate their victory after winning of finals of Kenya Rugby Union leagues at ASK Kakamega Showground  [PHOTO: BY BENJAMIN SAKWA]

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced the cancellation of all league and cup competitions for the 2019/2020 season.

Through communication on their website on Thursday, April 9, KRU identified The Kenya Cup, Championship, Nationwide leagues, Enterprise and the Mwamba Cup as competitions cancelled.

Kenya Rugby Union announces cancellation of 2019/20 season as Corona virus continues to hit sport https://t.co/AHKtQbenTm pic.twitter.com/QnDbPQBo84

— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) April 9, 2020

The Union resorted to this decision due to the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country, which has brought a standstill to nearly all sporting disciplines globally.

This cancellation means there will be no Promotion or Relegation fixtures, and all teams will remain in their present divisions.

“We are in challenging times with the worldwide breakout of the Novel Corona Virus.  This has caused untold disruption and presented us with a very challenging environment. Sporting activities have not been spared from its debilitating impact. This situation has affected our way of life meaning no training, rugby events or matches are feasible in the foreseen future. At the point of disruption, the leagues were at the playoff stages and none of the leagues had qualified winners. The KRU Board is particularly aware of the impact on clubs, sponsors and fans with the potential to be promoted or win competitions,” KRU Secretary Ian Mugambi said.

The Union also explained before the tough decision to cancel the season was arrived at, several options were explored, with a comprehensive consensus reached.

“This decision is not intended to in any way diminish the games that have already taken place or the efforts of everyone involved. A range of options were explored, as far as possible and a broad consensus was reached across the game as to the most appropriate outcome. But in the end, we have had to make the decision to ensure we play our part in safeguarding lives,” KRU explained.

The Union also advised supporters to observe COVID-19 protection protocols, asking everyone to stay safe as the world tries to contain the virus.

In Kenya, As of Thursday, April 9, 2020, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had risen to 184.