South Africa's Varsity Cup is one of many competitions to be suspended ©FISU

Authorities in South Africa have announced that all Varsity Sport events, the top level of university competition in the country, have been suspended until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Varsity Sport is comprised of nine sports and universities across the nation, with very little of this year's competition completed.

This is due to the South African academic year running from February to November, meaning just over a month's action was possible before the nation went into lockdown on March 26.

Despite restrictions being eased slightly at the start of May, higher education institutions such as colleges and universities have remained closed with lessons instead taking place online.

To date, there have been more than 22,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa – the highest infection rate on the continent.

The virus has led to 429 people losing their lives in the country.

"The Varsity Sports Executive Committee consisting of multi-media rights holder, Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM), University Sports Company, University Sports South Africa and university representatives, agree that it is unlikely that there will be any normal sports tournaments for the rest of 2020 and therefore has taken the decision to temporarily suspend all Varsity Sports tournaments for the rest of 2020," a statement explaining the cancellation of competition said.

Francois Pienaar has said sport could return if the situation improves ©Getty Images
Francois Pienaar has said sport could return if the situation improves ©Getty Images

ASEM chief executive and 1995 Rugby World Cup winning captain Francois Pienaar said that if there are improvements before 2021, the restriction could be lifted.

"We have taken a principle decision to suspend all our sporting activities across universities until 2021," Pienaar said.

"Our priority is to ensure the safety of our athletes and spectators, while also allowing universities and schools to return to the academic year. 

"We will however remain ready to host certain tournaments should Government regulations change regarding the hosting of sport events and academic calendars allow for tournaments to take place."

Six rounds of rugby competition the Varsity Cup had been played before the shutdown, with organisers saying if sport cannot continue in 2020 then events will remain incomplete rather than crown a champion.

No relegation will take place, although second-tier team Nelson Mandela University will be promoted for next year's Varsity Cup after mathematically winning their division.