Community sports to remain on hold for time being

While New Zealand Rugby has confirmed a start date for its Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told community sports they remain on hold at alert level 2.

Ardern yesterday announced a Thursday return to level 2, though details around sport were still up in the air.

‘‘Further detail on sport obviously we’re continuing to work through with community sport, in particular – but that’s guidance that’s being developed at the moment,’’ the Prime Minister said.

Restrictions on social gatherings – such as weddings and funerals – to a maximum of 10 people would apply to clubrooms at sports clubs, Ardern said.

Minutes after the Beehive announcement, New Zealand Rugby confirmed a domestic form of Super Rugby involving the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders would start on Saturday 13 June, allowing players four weeks to prepare with contact training.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie confirmed to Stuff late last week that the ANZ Premiership will resume four weeks after the country returns to level 2, most likely at one Auckland venue in the established mould of Super Sundays.

It means a potential resumption of the six-team competition as early as the second week of June, without crowds.

As for junior and club netball, Wyllie was hopeful it could resume in June too, depending on the ability to adhere to level 2 guidelines.

New Zealand National Basketball League chief Justin Nelson is working on a plan to stage a oneweek league in one city, but is meeting some resistance from clubs.

When Stuff first broke the story on April 20, the plan was to have all eight teams at a designated location, staying in one hotel, to play out a five-week season at a single location.

But the Wellington Saints and the Southland Sharks, have stated they would not be available to take part.

However, Nelson is still hopeful of getting a competition across the line.