Super Rugby opener postponed after Moana Pasifika outbreak

The historic first ever Super Rugby clash between the newly formed Moana Pasifika and the Blues this coming Friday has been postponed following an outbreak within the Moana Pasifika squad.

After a wider squad member became a close contact with a positive squad, the entire squad was tested on Friday which confirmed seven Covid cases within the team.

The Chiefs who shared the same charter flight down to Queenstown also underwent testing but no cases were identified.

The match that was originally scheduled to be played at Mt Smart Stadium was to be played in Dunedin which is no longer the case.

NZR’s Chris Lendrum said support is being offered to the players while they isolate in Queenstown.

“We also share the disappointment of the Moana Pasifika players, coaches, staff and fans. We know how hard they have worked and how eager they are to get out on the field,” he said.

“However, we also remain confident Moana Pasifika can get through this period of isolation and join the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season and will be doing everything we can to support them over the coming weeks.”

All six Kiwi franchises have relocated to Queenstown to from a secure bio-bubble to play the first few rounds of the season.

An update will be made on the game between Moana Pasifika and the Blues at a later date.