Sport will not resume at Alert Level 3: Robertson

AUCKLAND: No sport will be played in New Zealand at Alert Level 3, Sport Minister Grant Robertson says, but there is a chance at the next level down.

A decision is due on Monday on whether the country will move to Alert Level 3.

When asked about clarity for when sports competitions will be able to resume, Robertson said there was no scope for sports at Level 3 but offered some hope about Level 2.

‘‘At Level 3 there really isn't the scope for that. At Level 3 we want people to stay in their bubbles still. I know a number of our professional athletes are training hard inside their own bubble,’’ Robertson said.

‘‘When it comes to Level 2 there is further work to do there as to what might be possible in terms of particularly contact sport at a professional level. That requires conversations with health officials and with sports clubs.

‘‘Clearly myself as a sports fan and many others around the country would love to see that take place but that certainly won’t be happening at Level 3.’’

Robertson is also sceptical of the NRL’s plans to resume its season on May 28.

He had not been involved in any discussion with the NRL but the start date sounded ‘‘very ambitious’’.

‘‘I believe there may have been some highlevel discussions between some people working on behalf of the NRL and Sport New

Robertson said.

‘‘That sounds like a very ambitious date to me to start a competition up. And no doubt there's a lot to work through on both sides of the Tasman about how that would work.

‘‘Clearly both sides of the Tasman are operating strict quarantine arrangements at the moment and therefore that provides some real limitations on the ability of people to travel

Zealand,’’ and spend time in such situations.’’

Robertson insisted that the NRL’s plans, especially with the inclusion of the Warriors, sounded ambitious.

‘‘I think overall, the principle that we continue to have to apply is public health and safety. And that applies as much to people who are professional sportsmen as it does to anybody else.’’ —