The Yass Touch Association announced on January 2 in a Facebook post that the annual competition would not run in 2021 due to the recent coronavirus outbreaks across NSW and uncertainty regarding border restrictions.

The 2021 edition was scheduled for January 23 and 24, and would have been the 33^rd year in which the competition, which one of the biggest of its kind in the country, has run.

The knockout usually draws over 1,000 players to Yass every January, and teams travel from across the country and even internationally to take part.

Many teams from the Yass Valley and surrounding regions take part each year, including a number from Goulburn and the Southern Highlands.

The YTA said its focus was the safety of the participants, but assured fans of the event that it would look to return in 2022.

"The recent outbreaks have made the safety of all players, referees and volunteers too risky," the association said.

"Yass Touch would like to apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you back in 2022."

The knockout also has one of the largest cash prizes available for a competition of its kind. In 2020, up to $17,000 in prize money was up for grabs across all divisions.

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