Super Rugby opener postponed due to COVID outbreak in Moana Pasifika squad

By News / Wire

COVID-19 cases in the new Moana Pasifika squad have forced organisers to postpone the opening match of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Seven Moana Pasifika players were confirmed as positive cases on Friday as the squad continue to isolate in their hotel in Queenstown, where the six NZ-based teams are in a hub.

Their team was due to play the Blues in the opening match on Friday, January 18 but that game is now postponed.

Organisers said all members of the other five squads have tested negative for COVID-19 and will continue preparations for the start of the season, including preseason fixtures in Queenstown this weekend.

“Our thoughts are with the players who have tested positive, and our focus is on ensuring the have the full support of NZR as they deal with their situation,” said NZR general manager of professional rugby Chris Lendrum.

“However, we also remain confident Moana Pasifika can get through this period of isolation and join the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season and will be doing everything we can to support them over the coming weeks.”

Moana Pasifika made the decision to have the full squad take PCR tests on Thursday, after it was identified that a player, who trained with the squad on Monday morning prior to their departure to Queenstown on a charter flight, subsequently became a close contact.

That player did not travel with the team.

A Blues player who was identified as a close contact on Wednesday night returned a negative PCR test result on Thursday but continues to isolate in the team hotel following the advice provided by health authorities.

Moana Pasifika’s situation means the preseason schedule has been changed.

The Highlanders, who were scheduled to play Moana Pasifika, 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.

Pre-season fixtures for Saturday, February 12.

2pm AEDT: Chiefs v Blues v Highlanders

7pm AEDT: Hurricanes v Crusaders

The Crowd Says:

2022-02-13T17:15:07+00:00

Paulo

Roar Rookie


Yea, exactly, then you could only let people in who had just had a wee, or they were wearing a swim nappy so if they did wee the impact would be much smaller. That’s just crazy enough it might work. Of course, if someone chooses not to go by your rules in your house, then no pool for them. They need to live with the consequences of their choices.

2022-02-13T05:42:54+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


technically yes . Well I can always stop anyone from swimming . That may work . :laughing: lockdown my pool . :shocked:

2022-02-13T02:19:17+00:00

BennO

Roar Rookie


This is the vision rugby needs. The Daves, the Puds, the Davos, the Slims, the Gronks. This is the chance for them to be elevated and celebrated.

2022-02-13T00:19:42+00:00

Tim J

Roar Rookie


Fair point JN, I am glad that everyone has moved on from those days. :thumbup:

2022-02-12T22:28:47+00:00

fiwiboy7042

Roar Rookie


It's completely flying pie in the pink sky stuff, JN.

2022-02-12T21:37:51+00:00

fiwiboy7042

Roar Rookie


I am! I called the mothership. I'm moving to Rigel IV! :happy:

2022-02-12T21:15:12+00:00

Paulo

Roar Rookie


I would like to think the whole pool is a non-urinating section…

2022-02-12T15:36:26+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


As sure as I predicted bubbles and isolation are a waste of time as sure as it will spread thru NZ . Lockdowns etc only delayed it . Now for a reality check.

2022-02-12T15:30:03+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


It’s a very real concern . Research from credible organizations showing a massive risk increase in myocardial conditions with those vaccinated particularly those under the age of 30 . That puts sportsmen and women directly in the firing line . This research crosses divides , Ohio State University , Cincinnati University , Tel Aviv . Many more. It’s not pie in the sky theories . Now they want to vaccinate 5 year old children . If the parents agree they should be locked up for gross stupidity.

2022-02-12T13:12:57+00:00

Ken Catchpole's Other Leg

Roar Guru


A tv segment Benno. Davo of the week. Who is the Davo most likely? The Davo most deserving? We could run a book on which Davo will get the gig. (In another century I played subbies with a props named Dave, Pud and Pete -so I know what I’m talking about :happy: )

2022-02-12T13:09:28+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


Kiwis not renowned for public backlashes ..unless South Africa is involved :laughing: remember the demo tour .

2022-02-12T13:04:41+00:00

Ken Catchpole's Other Leg

Roar Guru


“ We better get used to this, especially as Omicron moves through New Zealand. ” Could you send video Harry?

2022-02-12T12:45:15+00:00

Tim J

Roar Rookie


Ask real Kiwi supporters and they will pick Razor for sure. But I understand your tongue in cheek comment about us sticking with Foster. The Bledisloe Cup will be interesting, if OZ win it back then what will happen? If the NZRU stick with Foster there will be a huge public backlash.

2022-02-12T11:50:50+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


Razor is a superb coach , a rugby man , passionate as you say and understands NZ Rugby intimately . When Foster was recruited it was a safe choice . Ticked all the boxes as OK . Someone apparently forgot to add the inspiring box on the list . Boks will run thru a wall if asked to do so by Rassie . World Cup they weren’t the best team . England had more quality , SA just squeezed past Wales , lost to NZ . But were by miles the most motivated and inspired team around and when the chips fell that mattered a lot . I would say Razor is your man . But I’m kinda hoping for selfish reasons you stick with Foster.

2022-02-12T11:27:10+00:00

Tim J

Roar Rookie


You should be a motivational speaker JN :stoked: Razor Robertson is a great coach in waiting, but how long does he have to wait? That is the question, I think that he is too modern for our reclusive bosses. Rassie maybe controversial but he has the passion for the Boks, Razor is not controversial but he has the same passion also.

2022-02-12T10:52:14+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


Sometimes it just takes one person to make a big difference. Come the the hour and all that . We had Rassie . Up until then wow things were looking bleak . Who is your Rassie going to be ?

2022-02-12T09:22:15+00:00

Tim J

Roar Rookie


I agree about bouncing back, but how long will it take? The current NZRU administration are going against what NZ Rugby has always been about, grassroots has always been at the forefront of the game. I am afraid that we are heading down Australia’s path.

2022-02-12T08:55:49+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


NZ will bounce back to the top . I’m confident of that . Sometimes you gotta take a few hits to look inwards .

2022-02-12T08:08:30+00:00

Tim J

Roar Rookie


:laughing: :laughing: Now I do not know how to respond to that. :silly:

2022-02-12T07:31:00+00:00

Just Nuisance

Roar Rookie


Big enough for the project not to work :laughing:

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