Many people are thrilled with the return of sports in level two. After a long eight weeks without any action, clubs and teams are finally able to get back out there and play.

The move to level two has meant that active recreation and sport can resume. This includes contact team sports and physical activities, but only if ten or fewer people are participating, good contact tracing is possible and hygiene measures, particularly washing and drying of hands, and regular sanitising of equipment and surfaces are in place. 

Matakana Tennis Club, Mahurangi East Tennis Club, and Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club are all back open for those wanting a game, as long as they adhere to these guidelines provided by Tennis NZ.

Warkworth Football Club will begin training again, in groups of ten or smaller, with contact tracing and hygiene practices in place.

However, the return of sports comes with a catch. The ten-person gathering limit in place at level two means that although training can be resumed, there won't be any proper games for community sports players who would normally play with more than ten other players. This limit will be reviewed on May 25.

Sports NZ have said, “At this point, subject to New Zealand’s continued containment of COVID-19, the limits may be increased which could enable full training and competition environments to restart".

For those who miss relaxing and watching a game on telly, good news; a domestic super rugby tournament will kick off on June 13. Although the stadium seats will be empty, the games between New Zealand's five super rugby teams will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. 

Whether you are a player or a supporter, the return of training and live games should hopefully return a little bit of normalcy to the sporting world.