New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Moana Pasifika will play the Chiefs in the lone Kiwi game of round five of Super Rugby Pacific.
This comes after there were confirmed COVID cases in the Blues, Highlanders, and Crusaders squads.
The original schedule had Moana slated to play the Highlanders whilst the Chiefs were set to travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes.
However, this became untenable as the trio of clubs contracting large amounts of cases, allowing the two teams to catch up from their previously postponed round two match.
“Like many businesses around New Zealand we continue to deal with the disruptions of COVID on our people, and the health of the Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders players and staff was the key consideration in withdrawing those teams from this weekend’s matches," NZR Head of Tournaments and Competitions Cameron Good said in a statement.
“With three teams remaining we had to look at what was the best outcome for the competition and a key consideration was to ensure Moana Pasifika got back on the field again after having three matches postponed through the opening month of the season, which is exciting for the club and their fans. This change also allows Moana Pasifika to catch up on their previously postponed Round 2 match against the Chiefs.
“This has been a tough call on the Hurricanes who had initially been scheduled to play the Chiefs and I would like to acknowledge the Hurricanes for their understanding and cooperation in putting the competition first”
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Good confirmed NZR remained confident they can reschedule the postponed games, which includes the entirety of the NZ-based games from round five as well as the Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika from last week.
He also welcomed the decision to loosen border controls, providing a clear path for teams to travel between Australia and New Zealand by the time Super Round arrives.
“We are looking at the schedule and believe there are opportunities to play those matches without major disruption to the draw and will announce details in due course," he added.
“The easing of border restrictions allows New Zealand Rugby to plan with more certainty toward teams traveling into New Zealand later in the season, both for DHL Super Rugby Pacific and for our international schedules.
“We are looking forward to our Super Rugby Pacific teams heading across the Tasman in April to play the Australian teams, notably for the Super Round in Melbourne over ANZAC weekend, and also welcoming the Australian teams to New Zealand in May.”
