A NSW government spokesperson said travel between regions and local communities was the issue.

“All sporting competitions should run within local communities wherever possible, and should not include travel between regional NSW and Sydney metropolitan areas,” the spokesperson said.

“Dr Chant has arranged to meet with the independent school sector again to work through the details of implementation for their sporting activities.”

‘Geoff Lee … told The King’s School yesterday that GPS winter sport can go ahead as long as they comply with NSW health guidelines.’

Ben Fordham

The move comes after 2GB presenter Ben Fordham reported on Friday that Sports Minister Geoff Lee had told The King’s School its winter program could go ahead.

“It’s my understanding that the Sports Minister in NSW, Geoff Lee, informed The King’s School yesterday [Thursday] that GPS football can go ahead, as long as they comply with NSW Health guidelines,” Fordham said on Friday morning.

“Sarah Mitchell the Education Minister had not been briefed about that and she appeared with us earlier. I don’t know whether the message has got through to other schools or school communities but Geoff Lee … told The King’s School yesterday that GPS winter sport can go ahead as long as they comply with NSW health guidelines.”

The AAGPS said it noted the media reports but its programs would remain on hold after chairman Mark Ticehurst made the call to suspend the season on Tuesday.

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“GPS winter sports are school-based rather than community-based competitions. This means that our reference point is advice provided by NSW Health for minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission in school communities,” the association said.

“This advice differs to advice for community-based sport. The AAGPS wants to be clear that above all, it will follow the advice of NSW Health and other relevant authorities in this matter and will always act in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of students and staff.”

The GPS rugby competition was due to start this weekend.