This weekend's Super Rugby Trans-Tasman clash between the Chiefs and Rebels has been shifted from Saturday to Sunday, amid Melbourne's ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.
Originally intended to be played in Hamilton on Saturday, both teams have been given an extra 24 hours to prepare for the match.
The shift will allow the Rebels time to travel to New Zealand, they are currently in Sydney after a last-minute exit from Victoria to ensure that Sunday's match against the Highlanders could go ahead.
Victoria is currently observing a seven-day lockdown after a COVID-19 outbreak in the community, with a pause on travel from New Zealand. That lockdown is due to end before round four of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman begins on Friday.
"Providing the travel pause lifts on Friday the Rebels will be able to fly to New Zealand on Saturday, but it would be unfair to ask them to travel and play on the same day," Chiefs chief executive Mike Collins says.
"The logical decision was that we push kick-off out 24 hours in the interests of fairness and player welfare and give our team the best opportunity to play at home in front of our loyal members, stakeholders and fans."
New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia and SANZAR are also working to put contingencies into place in case the travel pause continues past Friday.
