The Fijian Drua will relocate to the Gold Coast for the next two weeks as a result of the intense flooding in Lismore, with coach Mick Byrne set to enter isolation.
The floods caused their base at Lake Ainsworth Sport & Rec Centre to close, leaving the side to make the trip early to Queensland.
“With our camp closing due to operational issues caused by the rising water levels, we had no choice but to move to the Gold Coast for the next 10 days," CEO Brian Thorburn said in a statement.
"It was challenging to move almost 55 people with just a few hours’ notice, but we have managed to find suitable accommodation with training facilities nearby for our entire squad of players and staff.
Of course, our situation pales in comparison to those folks in Northern NSW and the Northern Rivers region, as they brace themselves for yet more adversity. Our thoughts are with them.”
The Drua made the move yesterday in preparation for Friday's clash with the Waratahs, with the club expected to stay there until next week's match with the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.
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This comes as head coach Mick Byrne enters isolation after testing positive to COVID.
“Mick is clearly gutted not to be with the team but remains in good spirits as he completes his recovery and self-isolation period," Thorburn added.
"He continues to call the shots, of course, and the players are in the very capable hands of our coaching and management staff.
"Mick will join the team once cleared by the medical staff. This is just a minor bump in the road compared to everything else we’ve faced in our inaugural season.”
