New Zealand's decision to postpone phased border reopening plans over concerns about the rapid global spread of the new coronavirus Omicron variant could disrupt the inaugural season of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Non-quarantine travel, which was to be opened for New Zealanders in Australia from January 16, would be pushed back until the end of February, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday.
New Zealand also increased the length of stay in state quarantine facilities from a week to 10 days.
The new Super Rugby Pacific competition will feature five teams each from New Zealand and Australia and two sides representing the Pacific Islands - Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua.
NZR have said the competition, due to begin on February 18, will proceed even in the event of COVID-19 complications and suggested the schedule could be reworked to play "local" games first and fulfil the cross-border fixtures when borders reopen.
Should border reopening be delayed further, however, it is unclear what impact that would have on the cross-border games.
The new competition builds on 'Super Rugby Trans-Tasman', which was played between Australia and New Zealand's sides this year.
The earlier version of the Super Rugby competition featuring South African teams and Argentina's Jaguares appears unlikely to be revived following its suspension last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reuters
