Pandemic forces opening match in New Zealand to be postponed.
The Super Rugby Pacific Competitions Committee has today confirmed that due to several Moana Pasifika players testing positive to COVID-19 their match against the Blues on Friday 18 February will be postponed. Further planning work will now be carried out between the joint venture partners New Zealand Rugby [NZR] and Rugby Australia [RA], SANZAAR and their broadcast partners to explore options to play the postponed match at a future date.
The Moana Pasifika team is isolating at its Queenstown hotel and working closely with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and health authorities while following all COVID-19 protocols.
All members of the other five New Zealand-based DHL Super Rugby Pacific squads have tested negative for COVID-19 and will continue preparations for the start of the season, including preseason fixtures in Queenstown this weekend.
Moana Pasifika’s situation means the preseason schedule in New Zealand has also been changed. The Highlanders, who were scheduled to play Moana Pasifika this weekend, will now join the Blues and Gallagher Chiefs in a game of three halves, while the Hurricanes will play the Crusaders. Both matches will now be played at the Queenstown Recreation Ground.
The tournament will update all stakeholders and fans on any further news regarding the postponed match and the tournament match schedule in due course.
