Another Super Rugby Trans-Tasman fixture disrupted

NEWS: SANZAAR confirmed that the Chiefs versus Melbourne Rebels match have been rescheduled due to the ongoing effect of Covid-19.

The Southern Hemisphere Rugby organizers released a statement, revealing that the fixtured between the Chiefs and Rebels originally scheduled for Saturday, June 5 in Hamilton, is now scheduled to be played on Sunday.

According to the press released the round four fixtured “will kick-off at 15.30 NZT (13.30pm AEST) at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, on Sunday, June 6,”

The match has been moved back a day to allow the Melbourne Rebels enough time to travel to New Zealand and prepare for the match. The Rebels are currently based in Sydney after moving out of Melbourne last week. However, the team remains subject to the COVID-19 New Zealand government travel pause that is in place for travel between Victoria and New Zealand.

Provided the travel pause is lifted, the Rebels will travel to New Zealand on Saturday and play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Sunday.

The statement concluded: “SANZAAR, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Rugby Australia (RA) and are working with the Chiefs and Melbourne Rebels on a contingency plan to play the match in Sydney should the New Zealand Government travel pause be extended past next Friday.

“SANZAAR, NZR and RA with continue to work with their respective Governments and health authorities, with the health and safety of players and fans the highest priority,”