Rugby set to return in NZ after green light

SUPER Rugby in New Zealand is set to return after a domestic series between the five teams was given the green light.

Following the New Zealand government’s announcement that professional rugby and netball will resume at Covid-19 alert Level 2, with the country currently at Level 3, it means rugby could return soon.

A decision on whether New Zealand moves to Level 2 will be announced on Monday.

“For our fans, our players and everyone involved in Investec Super Rugby, we are thrilled that the Sports Minister has given the green light for professional sport to resume at level two,” said New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson.

“Both netball and rugby have been working closely with Government agencies on what training and playing at level two could look like, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”

“As soon as the country announces what date we move to alert level two, we will be able to confirm what date Investec Super Rugby will kick off.”

Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa involves New Zealand’s five teams – the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders – and will see the five teams will play each other home and away over 10 weeks, with two matches every weekend.

All the matches will be played in closed stadiums.

“Kiwi rugby fans love the local Investec Super Rugby derbies, and they will now have 10 consecutive rounds to enjoy,” said Robinson.

He said the players would need three to four weeks to adequately prepare with contact training before matches could commence.

“We’re delighted for our fans that in a best-case scenario we will have top-quality rugby back on our screens next month. I know the players would prefer to be playing in front of our fans, but the health and safety of Kiwis must come first.”

Meanwhile, plans are being drawn up for rugby union in England to be played without scrummaging, tackling and mauling next season to increase the likelihood of some form of the game returning if the coronavirus lockdown is eased.

The Telegraph report that an internal working group at the RFU is understood to be working on a number of variations of ‘rugby activity’ – focusing on reducing the levels of contact in the sport.

“By rugby activity we are definitely not talking about 15-a-side, full-on contact rugby,” said Steve Grainger, the RFU’s director of rugby development.

“There are a whole range of activities that you could create without having 16 people in a scrum.”