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Opinion
On March 16, the Sydney Shute Shield competition was halted, and the next day all Cricket NSW organisations agreed to halt their competitions.
Two weeks later, prime minister Scott Morrison placed a nationwide ban on all gatherings over two people. That meant people were encouraged not to leave the house for anything other than medical services, essential shopping and physical exercise in groups of two or less.
In a survey of 33 participants I conducted, 100 per cent had their seasons ended due to the coronavirus. For most, sport represents more than just an avenue for physical activity – 65 per cent of participants said they missed the social aspect the most.
From the same survey, nearly 20 per cent of players said their mental health had been affected a lot while almost 40 per cent said it had been slightly affected.
“There’s lots of benefits in terms of mood, physiological well being and sleep just from physically exercising in addition to the social,” said psychiatrist Dr Mark Ryan.
“What people aren’t aware of is the benefits of sun exposure, the impact on stress arousal regulation from exercise and the impact on their sleep.
“When people are isolated in a lockdown situation, the sort of subtle small activities that give us a bit of a dopamine surge and help us feel good are no longer available… that often leads to a lack of motivation and a sense of dissatisfaction.”
Randwick rugby club’s season has been cancelled indefinitely.
(Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
Club captain Nick Wilkinson was asked about whether his mental health had been affected by the coronavirus.
“I think most people would be lying if they said it didn’t,” he said.
“In terms of me, I’m pretty lucky I’m still working and studying.
“Obviously rugby is a big part of all our lives at the club.
“In terms of social life, the group chats have been going off a bit more than usual… just people checking in on each other.”
Wilkinson admitted Randwick players have many avenues of support.
“We’ve got the club doctor, general manager, coaches and we’ve also got a mental well being counsellor at the club now,” he said.
Eastern Suburbs rugby player Will Nicholls said he misses everything about his sport.
“Being around your mates all the time… also getting the physical fitness and getting to the gym,” he said.
Nicholls said the club has been communicating over social media.
“Everyone tries to get around each other as much as they can, but it’s just not the same,” he said.
Nicholls said Easts head coach Pauli Taumoepeau has been “very aware with all the mental health stuff, he doesn’t like to keep anything out in the darkness, he loves to get it out in the open and just have a chat.”
Dr Ryan advised players on “getting outside in the sun, going for long walks, adapting their exercise program in other ways.”
“Look for other activities that give them pleasure, whether that’s talking on Skype or Zoom or reading a book,” he said.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.