NZ Rugby has suspended all provincial and community rugby this weekend, including National Provincial Championship and Farah Palmer Cup matches.
With most of the country in COVID-19 Alert Level 4 until at least Saturday, the prospect of any of the games going ahead was always grim, with NZR confirming cancellation or postponements across all levels on Wednesday.
NZR says a rescheduled draw for the NPC, FPC and Heartland Championship will be announced when more clarity around New Zealand's fate becomes clear.
They have also left provincial unions and local organising bodies to det
On Tuesday, the Government announced Auckland and Coromandel would remain at Alert Level 4 for seven days, while the rest of New Zealand is at Level 4 for at least three days.
NZR community rugby general manager Steve Lancaster says the decision has been made in consultation with provincial unions and the Players' Association in the interests of wider public safety, due to the latest community outbreak.
"Although it could be possible to play competitions and matches outside of Auckland and Coromandel, if the COVID alert levels fell before Saturday, with Level 4 restrictions not being lifted until midnight Friday at the earliest, we believe the responsible decision is to make an early call, and keep people away from our fields and venues this weekend.
"We understand this decision will be disappointing for some of our stakeholders, but are confident the rugby community will once again act in unity to play our part in keeping Aotearoa safe."
More to come
