Waikato provincial rugby players have fled COVID-19 lockdown in Hamilton - but only as far as Cambridge - to prepare for upcoming national championships games.
On Saturday, the Mooloo women are scheduled to face Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup premiership final - a rematch of last year's title game, won for the fourth straight year by the southerners.
Waikato qualified for the Christchurch final with victory over Wellington, despite losing nine frontline players to a Black Ferns camp, but their availability was thrown into doubt 24 hours later, when COVID cases were reported in Hamilton and Raglan.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered parts of the province into Alert Level 3, but NZ Rugby has worked swiftly to move Hamilton-based players to a secure facility in nearby Cambridge, where they will operate under strict COVID-19 protocols.
"In consultation with Waikato Rugby and the players it was agreed to move players and staff out of Hamilton to ensure teams have the best possible chance to continue to take part in their respective competitions," says NZ Rugby community general manager Steve Lancaster.
"The FPC final is this coming weekend, and it was important for both Canterbury and Waikato to provide the best opportunity for the match to go ahead.
"We have taken all precautions and worked closely with Podium Lodge to ensure that all government health requirements are being met and there is no risk to the public. There will be no training for either team until negative tests are returned and there will be daily health checks by the team doctor."
Fourteen women and five staff were removed from Hamilton on Sunday evening. The remainder of the squad are already based outside the city and will continue to live from home.
Thirty-one men and staff were also shifted, but they have a National Provincial Championship bye next weekend.
Auckland, North Harbour and Counties-Manukau withdrew from the national women's competition, with the city stuck at Alert Level 3 or above for almost seven weeks.
Their men's teams have returned to socially distanced, non-contact training in small groups, but their return to competition may depend on Monday's Government review of alert levels.
