Victorian fans to be prevented from attending NRL and AFL games in NSW

June 25, 2020

As part of biosecurity measures being introduced following the new outbreaks of Coronavirus in Melbourne, fans from Victoria will not be allowed into AFL and NRL games.

Fans wanting to attend fixtures will have to show their drivers licences at stadium gates in NSW, with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard revealing he had obtained assurances from both the NRL and AFL on the barring of fans from Victoria.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V’landys confirmed today that only club members will have access to match tickets when capped crowds return next week.

Supporters will then have to bring identification when they arrive at the grounds, with any Victorian residents to be turned away.

V’landys told AAP “the only people that will get in will be members of the clubs or season-ticket holders, where we’ll know all their details.

“It’s to assure the government that no one from Victoria will be allowed in.

“We’ve always said that we wanted to repay the loyal members of each of the clubs. In the first instance, it’ll only be club members, to reward their loyalty. By only allowing members in, we know their addresses, we know all their details, so we can safeguard against any Victorians getting in.”

While NSW stadiums with a capacity of more than 40,000 people can host up to 10,000 fans at AFL and NRL games from 1st July, Minister Hazzard said Victorian residents would be barred from games, advising “they have actually put in place measures immediately and confirmed to me ... that they have the measures in place.

“And we’re quite satisfied they can make sure that supporters from Melbourne and Victoria are not coming to our games.

“They’re not getting tickets, that’s the simple answer. (The AFL and NRL) have satisfied me they have made all necessary measures and steps to ensure people who will be entering the stadium will be people who are from Sydney.”

The development comes as Venues NSW is working to schedule games involving up to four sporting codes. Travelling restrictions could mean a number of A-League and Super Rugby clubs relocate to NSW or the ACT indefinitely.

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13th May 2020 - AFL announces protocols for return to training and play

11th May 2020 - Victorian Government clears AFL clubs to train in groups of 10 from Wednesday

5th June 2020 - NSW Government to allow corporate boxes to operate at NRL fixtures from next week

26th May 2020 - NRL’s goal to have crowds in stadiums in July described as ‘absurd and dangerous’ by Australian Medical Association

25th May 2020 - Stadiums prepare for NRL return

19th June 2020 - FFA agrees new broadcast deal with A-League 2020/21 season set for winter finish

29th May 2020 - FFA looks for A-League season restart in July

16th June 2020 - Rugby Australia forms advisory board to oversee 2027 World Cup hosting bid

2nd June 2020 - Rugby Australia announces massive cut in staff numbers

8th May 2020 - World Rugby releases guidelines for top level matches to be held in closed stadiums

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1st June 2020 - NSW Government abandons plans for redevelopment of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium

18th June 2020 - Live Entertainment Industry Forum welcomes return of sports fans in Queensland

12th June 2020 - Live Entertainment Industry Forum welcomes potential easing of restrictions on outdoor sport and entertainment venues

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