Rugby Africa on Tuesday postponed the Under-20 Barthés Trophy due to threat of Covid-19 which was scheduled from April 19 and 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
In consultation with Kenya Rugby Union and World Rugby, Rugby Africa released the following statement: “The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kenya has issued an update on COVID-19 on March 6. Among other points, it states: ‘The Government has, with immediate effect banned all meetings, conferences and events of international nature in Kenya.’
“As much as Rugby Africa, the host and most of all the young players are looking forward to the continental Under-20 competition in Nairobi, we need to take every precaution we possibly can from our side to protect our players and support the fight against the Coronavirus as set out by the authorities.
“The tournament is not cancelled, but only postponed to a later date which we will communicate in due time. We thank the Kenyan Rugby Union for their tremendous support.”
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Oduor Gangla said: “As a host union the safety and welfare of the participants are at the heart of our endeavours. We support Rugby Africa and the Kenyan authorities in their protective measures to our best abilities and therefore fully support the decision to postpone the Under-20 Barthés Trophy.”
The Barthés Trophy is the only junior tournament in Africa and eight national Under-20 teams compete for the title.
Participating teams in 2020 (in order of the current ranking): Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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