NZ Rugby has postponed all club and community rugby until Saturday April 18, due to coronavirus concerns.
"Non-contact training activities" will be allowed to continue, although the organisation will continue to monitor the situation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.
"It is a difficult decision for our organisation to make," NZ Rugby said. "But it is important that we do this in the interests of the health of all rugby participants.
"The well-being of our players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and the wider New Zealand community is our top priority.
"While this will be disappointing for many, postponing rugby for the time being is in everyone's best interests."
School rugby and most junior club rugby competitions start in early May, and are therefore unaffected by the postponement at this stage.
NZ Rugby said all team-based activity would be expected to comply with the latest MOH edicts, which included not sharing drink bottles, washing hands and regularly cleaning rugby equipment.
