Victoria's COVID-19 lockdown has forced the Chiefs v Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby Trans-Tasman clash to be moved to Sydney on Sunday.
Originally scheduled for Saturday at Hamilton's FMG Stadium, the encounter will be staged at 5pm Sunday (NZ time) at Sydney's Leichardt Oval.
The Rebels fled Melbourne last week, before the COVID lockdown was put into place, but haven't been allowed into New Zealand for their meetings with the Highlanders, originally intended for Queenstown, or the Chiefs.
With the lockdown now extended into a second week, the Chiefs had already changed their travel plans to remain in Sydney, pending an official announcement on the Rebels fixture.
"Our club, players and coaches are understandably disappointed we are unable to host Melbourne Rebels in front of our loyal members, fans and stakeholders in Hamilton," says Chiefs chief executive Michael Collins.
"We were hopeful, through extending the kick-off out 24 hours, it would allow us to have the best opportunity to play at home, if the travel pause lifted. However, we have learned the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic brings uncertainty and we need to be adaptable."
NZ Rugby professional rugby and high performance general manager Chris Lendrum says the teams were guided by Government and health authorities.
The Rebels lost 42-27 to the Highlanders at Leichardt Oval last Sunday.
Join us at 5pm Sunday for live updates of the Chiefs v Rebels Super Rugby Trans-Tasman clash
