Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Despite match cancellation, Highlanders still required to self-isolate

By Online Editors
(Photo by Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images)

The Highlanders will be the first New Zealand professional athletes to undergo self-isolation despite their Super Rugby match in Buenos Aires being aborted because of the coronavirus threat.

ADVERTISEMENT

SANZAAR gave just five hours notice when announcing the Jaguares clash with the Highlanders match scheduled for Sunday morning (AEDT) had been cancelled.

The round-seven match would have been played at an empty Jose Amalfitani Stadium after advice from the Argentina government as it bids to stymie the spread of Covid-19.

Another SANZAAR review deemed the match shouldn’t go ahead at all and that the match be declared a draw, with both teams to earn two competition points.

However, the decision came too late for the Dunedin-based Highlanders, who will arrive home on Tuesday, well after a midnight Sunday cut-off when the New Zealand government’s border restrictions begin.

Continue reading below…

Video Spacer

Any person arriving after that time undergo a 14-day isolation period, a mandatory sce nario that awaits a tour squad of players and staff that numbers well in excess of 30 people.

SANZAAR on Saturday declared Super Rugby would be suspended indefinitely beyond round seven, stating the heavy international travel involved made it unviable while measures are put in place to prevent the virus spreading.

ADVERTISEMENT

NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said the safe return of its players was a priority before it could begin to assess how rugby and its stakeholders will cope with the loss of matches.

“The decision to suspend competitions is being made for many events around the world and this is an important step the sporting world can take to ensure that teams and fans are not affected by the pandemic,” he said.

It is the second-straight year the Highlanders have had a game cancelled at a time of crisis.

Last year’s fixture against the Crusaders was annulled as it fell in the immediate wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings.

– AAP

WATCH: The sixth series of ‘The Season’ in partnership with Brisbane Boys College – In the lead up to the series premiere, we take a look at some of the personalities involved including barnstorming centre, Jack Howarth.

ADVERTISEMENT
Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 17 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

25 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING 'You lied. You're a ***king liar' - Rassie Erasmus' x-rated Bok rant 'You lied. You're a ****king liar' - Rassie Erasmus' x-rated Bok rant
Search