'No-brainer': Marco Caputo's Gungahlin Eagles are COVID-19 compliant

Welcome to sport in the age of COVID-19 - this is how Canberra rugby union's Gungahlin Eagles are preparing to launch their John I Dent Cup campaign.

On the surface it seems like a logistical nightmare for any amateur sporting club, but if this is the only way on the road back to rugby, Eagles coach Marco Caputo says it's a "no-brainer".

"It has been challenging from a logistical point of view. We want to be compliant with everything they want us to do, we've made sure we have done that but it takes a lot of effort collaboratively," Caputo said.

"It's a lot different to what everyone is used to. At this time of the year when we're going into the winter months, you're used to having your training set out in a certain way, but everything [is different].

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"From the moment they step in they've got to be logged, as well as the moment they clock out. You've got to keep them apart. You've got to get in all the relevant content to get yourself prepared to play footy.

"It's definitely a challenge but we have put the effort in there to make sure we are doing the right thing. It's very different.

"If we had a choice whether we could go on and play by doing all of this stuff, or not play, well it's a no-brainer."

Eagles officials have set up different entry and exit points at Nicholls Oval for training sessions with sanitising stations at the entry gate.

It is there you will find the club's COVID-19 compliance officer Richard Holder taking down the names of attendees, with only registered players and designated staff allowed in.

The playing group has been broken into two main squads - the black squad and red squad - with those groups then split into smaller units for training sessions.

Sanitising stations have been set up around the ground for players to clean their hands and footballs between drills.

The change rooms are off limits, players must book in advance to have their knees and ankles strapped by a club trainer, and everyone is required to bring their own water bottles.

And once your session has wrapped up and you've been ushered out of the ground? No loitering in the car park, get in your car and go. While some clubs in the John I Dent Cup and rival codes hold fears about a decline in player numbers, Eagles officials have been rapt with the turnout since training resumed.

About 55 players have consistently joined the black squad vying for a place in Caputo's first grade squad, while nearly two full teams worth of players have braved the cold nights as part of the red squad.

It is in stark contrast to the fate of the last remaining foundation club in Easts, who have withdrawn from the John I Dent Cup this season amid concerns they would not be able to field a competitive first grade squad.

They are instead aiming to play in what are effectively third and fourth grade competitions with an eye on returning to the top tier next season.

Teams playing contact sports will be allowed to resume full contact training sessions from June 19 with the majority of codes aiming for a July 10 return to action.

Non-contact sports, including netball, hockey, tennis and baseball can start their season next weekend with small crowds allowed to attend and canteens set to be opened.

A return to a more normal training schedule will be a welcome sight for Caputo, who admits he isn't one for delegating having always tried to be a "hands-on" coach.

"That hasn't been possible when you've got to get the boys in and out. We've got to manage 100-odd players and split them up over a couple of hours," Caputo said.

"We're trying to get them as game ready as quickly as we can. Everything is rushed, and with it being rushed, we have to try to cram all of our detail and game stuff in.

"You can't be too close with anyone, you can't do contact. It's been really challenging to make sure everyone has everything they need to be ready.

"Everyone is in the same boat. Again, if it was a choice between having to go the way we're going or not playing, it's a no-brainer.

"One of the things that will happen coming out of COVID-19 and into footy, if you look at what is happening in other codes, we could have a bit more of an injury rate than normal.

"We need a bit of depth and coverage. The fact guys haven't been able to go in and lift weights for pretty much three months and they have pretty much been exclusively on their feet to keep ticking over, that's going to come at a cost.

"I hope I'm wrong, but if you look at what is going on elsewhere, injury rates are probably up on what they would normally be. It's really important that you have coverage and depth." Just as important as washing your hands.