March 2nd, 2022

(WHITBY, ON) - This announcement is to formally notify our Members that the Rugby Ontario Board of Directors and management has taken steps to assess the directives from the Ontario Government in relation to the lifting of the provincial proof of vaccination policy today, March 1st, 2022. Following this review and consultation with members, Rugby Canada and provincial sport bodies, Rugby Ontario has approved the lifting of the Rugby Ontario COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, effective immediately. Further details are outlined below. 

The policy, which came into effect on November 15th, 2021, previously required that all participants aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated to participate in any sanctioned rugby activity in Ontario. The vaccination mandate prioritized the safety of both the rugby community and the general public and demonstrated Rugby Ontario’s utmost priority being the health and well-being of our communities. Furthermore, it aligned with the direction of our national governing body and provincial rugby unions across Canada. 

As of March 1st, 2022 Rugby Ontario shall: 

- Immediately lift the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy for all registered participants; 

- Enforce and comply with any third-party proof of vaccination policies in effect from time to time that may require participants of Rugby Ontario facilitated programs / services to be fully vaccinated, including but not limited to specific community events, national and provincial / high performance programs and competitions at certain facilities, training & education courses and out of province / country travel;

- Require all participants to be vigilant in continuing to conduct a daily self-assessment (Attestation) for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 prior to attending all sanctioned rugby activity, and to follow all remaining public health measures and Rugby Ontario Return to Play protocols; The requirement for daily screening remains a requirement under provincial Regulations; 

- Require all Member Clubs & Branches and registered participants adhere to all proof of vaccination requirements that remain in place by third-party facility operators, permit offices, businesses or other settings; 

- Enforce and comply with any third-party proof of vaccination policies in effect from time to time that may require participants of Rugby Ontario facilitated programs / services, including but not limited to specific community events, national and provincial / high performance programs and competitions at certain facilities, training & education courses and out of province / country travel; 

- Reserve the right to reinstate the mandatory vaccination policy, or any variation of a policy / mandate, at its sole discretion.