New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the six NZ-based teams will move to Queenstown, with games set to be played in Wakatipu and Invercargill.
This will occur in the opening three rounds of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition to ensure games can go ahead amid further COVID outbreaks.
The fixtures timings will remain the same for Kiwi teams, with day matches slated for Wakatipu Rugby Club and Rugby Park in Invercargill for any night matches, with no crowds allowed.
“Under current COVID-19 regulations, it would only take one positive case entering a squad environment to shut down an entire squad for 10 days. The knock-on effect for the rest of the competition would be the postponement or cancellation of matches,” NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said in a statement.
“By moving the teams to a secure hub, we believe we have a good chance of preventing a COVID-19 infection, or close contact event, side-lining one of our teams for a prolonged period.
"The plan is currently for the teams to move to Queenstown early next week and remain in Queenstown for the opening three weeks of the competition.”
Teams will stay in local hotels and will utilise COVID-19 protocols implemented by the All Blacks during last year’s Northern Tour as they look to minimise transmissions.
This will see players and staff remain in their team bubbles at all times and subject to regular rapid antigen tests, however, will be able to undertake some outdoor activities during their stay.
Lendrum was optimistic the move would be temporary as teams make the shift next week, hopeful of returning home in March.
“We are committed to bringing the teams home in early-March regardless of the COVID-19 landscape," he added. “We realise there is a significant sacrifice in leaving whānau [family] behind to play these matches and we are grateful for the cooperation of our players, the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association, Sky and also the Queenstown Lakes District Council who have accommodated our requests at short notice and providing facilities for our teams to train and play in the region.”
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