NZ sport plunged into chaos as cancellations wreak havoc
The schedules for New Zealand’s professional sports teams have been plunged into chaos after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s stringent new travel restrictions announced yesterday because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Ardern said that as of midnight today, every person arriving will have to isolate themselves for 14 days. The restrictions will be reviewed in 16 days and there will be more advice for self-isolation next week.
People travelling from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand will be exempt, unless they show symptoms of coronavirus.
The one-day international cricket series between the Black Caps and Australia was immediately postponed after the PM’s announcement, while Super Rugby, the NRL (rugby league), the A-League (football) and Supercars will also be severely affected.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said most of the Black Caps squad would fly home on Saturday evening after losing the first ODI in Sydney in a Chappell-Hadlee match played behind closed doors on Friday.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been cleared of the virus after being tested in Sydney after contracting a sore throat.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said it was ‘‘still working through the implications’’ but the travel restrictions may force Sanzaar – the governing body of the Super Rugby competition which comprises teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Japan and Argentina – to revamp the programme. Ardern’s declaration raises the possibility of more Kiwi derbies being played, as teams from overseas find themselves shut out.
The NRL wants the Warriors to remain in Australia rather than return to New Zealand after the 20-0 loss to the Knights in Newcastle yesterday.
The ruling means it’s impossible for any team to come to New Zealand to face the Warriors.
So the NRL’s plan is for the Warriors to be based in Australia until the New Zealand Government has lifted the travel restrictions.
The ARL Commission was holding a conference call later yesterday to discuss the Warriors’ future, but it appears there is the desire for the Warriors to remain in Australia.
At the Warriors’ post-match press conference, Warriors chief executive Cameron George explained their situation.
‘‘Obviously, that’s going to place some significant challenges for opposing teams to come to New Zealand . ... we’ve had a number of discussions with the NRL and currently the commission is meeting to discuss what options are available for our club.
‘‘We’re very conscious of the families, the boys involved.
Everyone has different circumstances that exist in New Zealand, with their own family and the most important thing for the fans and the game is that we try to keep the competition going.
‘‘We want to do everything we can to ensure that’s the case because I know how important it is to the sporting landscape.’’
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney said the players knew nothing about the latest developments when they took to the field to start their NRL season, and the news was given to them not long after the game finished.
‘‘Cameron briefed the group after we spoke about the game, so they were a bit vacant,’’ Kearney said. ‘‘We don’t exactly know what’s going to happen, where we’re going . . . t’s a pretty tough situation for the group to handle.’’
For the players with families, it will be tough for them to remain in Australia for an indefinite period of time, particularly for those with young children.
Peta Hiku’s partner is due to give birth in about a week.
‘‘I sent an email out to all of the players’ wives and partners during the course of the game,’’ George said.
‘‘To alert them to the possibility that there are going to be some big decisions made, particularly given the announcement from our prime minister just before they kicked off. It’s a challenge, but we’ll bounce through it. After the day we’ve had today, this is something else our group has got to deal with.
‘‘I’m focused on making sure we get the best outcomes for our families and the boys.
‘‘I reiterated to the partners that this is not the club’s preferred position, it’s bigger than the game. But we do have a responsibility and obligation to work with the NRL and the game to play our part and keep things on track as best we can.’’
The suggestion to stay in Australia was flatly rejected by Warriors player Adam Blair’s wife on Twitter.
‘‘I would cry!!’’ she posted. ‘‘I have two kids, no family, studying my post-grad uni and work. I have exams, intensives and classes that are completely worked around Adam’s schedule.’’
The NRL has already floated the possibility of playing all matches in one city over magic weekends to try to keep players healthy.
Meanwhile, Dunedin-based Super Rugby team the Highlanders are in Buenos Aires preparing for today’s game with the Jaguares and will not be back in time.
Wellington Phoenix say it will be ‘‘impossible’’ to host A-League football matches in New Zealand under strict restrictions set to be imposed on travellers from Australia.
While today’s clash between Phoenix and Melbourne Victory at Sky Stadium in Wellington is set to go ahead, the club said while the restrictions are in place, it cannot hold future matches at home.
‘‘As it stands, it will be impossible for any future Hyundai A-League Season 2019/20 games to be held in New Zealand, pending another government review in 16 days,’’ a Phoenix statement said.
Next weekend’s A-League fixtures were already almost certain to be played behind closed doors due to a federal government ban on non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people coming into effect from tomorrow.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has suggested that all games are shifted to one location as a way of keeping the competition going in a more controlled environment.
The Warriors were heading to Sydney last night and George would meet Greenberg at the team’s hotel.
‘‘It will be impossible for any A-League games to be held in New Zealand.’’