Moana Pasifika have been hit by a third Super Rugby postponement in four weeks with the Hurricanes unable to field a team due to Covid.
The postponement was made on the advice of the Super Rugby Pacific Medical Advisory Group that the Hurricanes squad did not have enough players to form a matchday 23.
NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said it was disappointing for both teams, but particularly Moana Pasifika who were dealing with their third postponed match of the season.
“Every effort was made to play this match but despite looking at replacement player options the number of players affected by COVID was simply too great to overcome and the right decision has been reached.
“We are supporting the Hurricanes as much as we can as they deal with a large number of players being unavailable, while it is obviously disappointing for Moana Pasifika who were itching to play again after finally getting their season underway last week.”
Moana Pasifika CEO Pelenato Sakalia said: “Dealing with Covid is extremely complicated and it is important that the focus shifts to the health and well-being of the Hurricanes team. Under the circumstances postponing the game is the right decision and Moana Pasifika wishes the Hurricanes team a speedy recovery and look forward to meeting on the field soon.”
Kellaway, who has been struggling with a foot injury, made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2016, playing 22 matches in the sky blue before stints at Northampton (UK), Counties Manuka (New Zealand) and NEC Green Rockets (Japan).
He joined Melbourne in 2020 and has scored eight tries in his 22 appearances for the club.
“It was an easy decision to stay in Melbourne and continue representing this great club,” Kellaway said in a statement.
“It’s been a whirlwind 10 months for me personally, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the Rebels gave me to return to Super Rugby last season and really excited about what we can achieve together in the future.
“I feel like Melbourne is home for me now and I can’t thank the players, staff and supporters for welcoming me back with open arms. I’m looking forward to adding as much value as I can both on and off the field over the next three years.
“The same can be said for what’s happening with the Wallabies under Dave Rennie. I really enjoyed my opening season of Test Rugby and I’m really motivated to build on that experience and keep growing as a player, particularly with a Rugby World Cup on the horizon.”
The Roar experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones look at the Rebels’ woes in this week’s podcast. Stream in the player below.
Wallabies coach, Dave Rennie said: “Andrew’s a top man and a mature Rugby player who has quickly become an important member of our mob on and off the field.”
“His journey to becoming a Wallaby is well documented and a new contract is reward for his self-belief, determination and hard work.
“We all saw the impact he was able to have in his first year at Test level and his work ethic and professionalism will ensure he continues to put himself in the best position to do that moving forward.”
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep & it carry's on!!! This CoviD keeps raring it's ugly head, as now it appears the Saders v Blues game this coming weekend, won't happen. So now four Aotearoa based franchise's are sitting the weekend out. Landers, Moana Pasifika, Saders & Blues. Truthfully we are pretty lucky this side of the ditch, so far, but as long as we don't get to c..k sure of ourselves, & still remain aware it's out there, we should be OK! In truth, there's going to be a little rearranging before the Trans Tasman kicks off!!
Bright side of the Moon
Guest
Lack of critical thinking is the hallmark of sheeple , I agree with that . To trust without question the biggest criminals in the history of mankind not to dud you all once again , demonstrates beyond any doubt that you and anyone that has willingly lined up to be part of an experiment is devoid of the ability to critically think. Get tested everyday to see if you're sick , and just keep doing it . Now that's got to be the greatest demonstration of stewpidity I've ever witnessed.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
The Reds are building Nicely this season Olly, but Red would suit him as well. :stoked:
Olly
Roar Rookie
He would look good in Red :laughing:
Mactruck
Roar Rookie
You and yours are the sheeple. The common thread is a total lack of critical thinking. The ability to believe anything that supports your suspicions with the inability to check sources for veracity of information. Get help.
Brett McKay
Expert
Yes, that's exactly my point BG. And I sort of stumbled onto the answer for this, Kellaway signed a Rebels/RA contract for the rest of last year when he returned from Japan, so this new contract is indeed for 2022-2024. And obviously it was always going to be done, but it certainly appears that he would have started his pre-season with the Rebels without a contract in place..
bg100
Guest
Wouldn't it be just the next 3 seasons including this year: '22, '23 and '24? Does anyone know what is current contract's end date is?
Tim J
Roar Rookie
It is tough to come up with the right solution! Maybe there is not one? I have looked at multiple options, but still come back to square one Mungbean.
A Bsurd
Guest
Why are incompetent teams rewarded with postponement rather than punished for incompetence? Wellington should be playing with a side of “I don’t care who” or Moana should be awarded full points.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
In the Japan One league, the team who pulls out (due to Covid) loses the points. And the other team gains the winning points, maybe even a bonus point too. It’s fair to say some teams have been smashed by this system and others have been lucky. Liam Gill’s team NTT have been smashed by Covid on at least 3 occasions out of the first 6 games. I think splitting the points seems fair but could cause teams to do some skullduggery at the pointy end when points matter.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
You are right KH… And now Australia has a new variant of the virus, so more to learn.
Ex force fan
Guest
Maybe the moon is also a haux…if you refuse to look up.
Bright side of the Moon
Guest
50 years later with exponential developments in technology, and they haven't been back again, you tell me genius.
Bright side of the Moon
Guest
It's only a theory if it doesn't exist, or there is no proof of it existence, the fact that you and the rest of the flock ignore the facts proving it does is irrelevant.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Olly which team do you support? :stoked:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
They have no idea tsuru, my partner has had two of her kids affected by it. She has four children, so what does this say? They both had breathing issues, thankfully they both recovered. My partner was obviously distressed and felt hopeless, so ignorant people do get my back up.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Aggression? Toughen up. So you admit that you are a princess? Who would have thought! :shocked:
tsuru
Roar Rookie
What I really find sad MK is the people in Queensland (and elsewhere) who have a group of friends and acquaintances who “ couldn’t care about COVID “ and then generalise to the whole population. I was living in Qld for all of COVID until 3 months ago and in all of that time there were lots of people who reckoned it was not worth worrying about - as in most places. But everyone? Not close. And my QLD friends and neighbours, who I still keep in touch with, assure me that there are still plenty of concerned Queenslanders. One thing I have noticed is that the “it’s over” crew are generally much younger than the “concerned” crew. Consequences of getting COVID are more serious for the old.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Nah your aggression just gets me all excited. You like Princesses???
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Go Mchooka!