The remainder of the 2021 season was abandoned on Monday, and minor premiers in each competition were awarded premierships.

"There were other options looked at, it was just felt that this was the way to go," Tink said of the way the premiers were decided.

"It was important that people did get rewarded and we share the disappointment with other clubs."

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While Tink said it was one of the toughest decisions he's been involved with as a rugby union administrator, the likelihood of the regional lockdown extending beyond the current period due to end August 28 left few options.

Off the back of any lockdown period, the amount of time that players who then need to prepare would have made a return to play "very difficult."

"If lockdown was lifted on the 28th, which we strongly doubt, we could be looking at six-seven weeks and then going by the return to play protocols from last season, people are only allowed to train in groups of five and that was non-contact training," Tink said.

"We had issues around crowds, barbecues, shared water bottles - all sorts of things. So you know, it's not the popular decision, but it's probably the courageous one. We did get play on last year, so we have a record of at least trying play, but at some point you've got to acknowledge the other things that are happening in the world."

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