This came as a big disappointment for event coordinator Fletcher Niven.

"You put a couple hundred hours into the applications, speaking to teams, getting the event sanctioned," he said.

"Then just before, Rugby Australia cancelled all contact sport so we had to cancel it and refund everyone their money. But it's alright, it happens and it's better to be safe than sorry."

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Nearly a year has gone by since then and Niven was pleased to say they have been given the go-ahead to move forward with the competition for 2021.

"It took a lot longer than I thought to get the event sanctioned," he said.

"I think we've got about five men's teams that have paid now and another six that are in the process of getting a team together to pay, so 11 for this time of the year is actually quite good.

"We always get four or five late entries that always come in, but we're only sanctioned to do 16 teams in the seniors.

"We're allowed to do six in the women and six in the colts. but the colts and the women's are a bit slow."

So far just two women's sides have signed up and only one colts team has showed interest.

These low numbers don't worry Niven though, who is confident they will be able to put on a show.

"I'll wait another week or two and start harassing the Central West colts teams to see if we can get a pre-season game," he added.

"In years gone past, we've occasionally had three colts side and they end up playing themselves and then the top two teams play off. just as long as they get games."

It is still unclear how many spectators will be allowed at the rugby club, but Niven has put in an application to allow 2,000 people to attend, split between four separate fields at Pride Park.

"We don't know yet and we are going to be advised closer to the date," Niven said on spectator numbers.

The event is due to take place on Saturday, March 13 with nominations for teams closing on March 5.

The total prize money on offer stands at $5,210.