The opening match of the 2022 Super Rugby season has been postponed after seven players from Moana Pacifika squad were confirmed as COVID-19 cases.
A new addition to the Super Rugby Pacific competition, Moana Pasifika were due to launch their campaign against the Auckland Blues next Friday but the match will now be moved.
Moana Pasifika opted to have the full squad undergo PCR tests after a player who trained with the squad this week was identified as a close contant. The player did not travel with the rest of the squad to Queenstown, where all six New Zealand franchises will be based in a hub for the start of the season.
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It subsequently saw seven players return positive results with the full squad now isolating in a hotel in Queenstown.
“Our thoughts are with the players who have tested positive, and our focus is on ensuring the have the full support of NZR as they deal with their situation. 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," NZR general manager professional rugby & performance Chris Lendrum 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.”
The postponed season opener has seen an alteration to the pre-season fixture with the Highlanders, who were scheduled to play Moana Pasifika, now set to join the Blues and Chiefs in a game of three halves, while the Hurricanes will play the Crusaders.
