The entire Blues squad have returned negative COVID-19 tests, tempering concerns over a potential outbreak in the Super Rugby Pacific bubble in Queenstown.
On Wednesday night, both the Blues and Moana Pasifika squads were forced to isolate in their hotel rooms, after a member of the Blues squad was identified as close contact of a confirmed case.
That player has returned a negative PCR test result but continues to self-isolate in the team hotel on advice provided by health authorities. The rest of the squad has returned to full training.
New Zealand Rugby says it's continuing to work closely with Moana Pasifika after a player, who trained with the squad on Monday morning prior to their departure to Queenstown on a charter flight, was subsequently identified as a close contact.
That player did not travel with the team, but Moana Pasifika made the proactive decision to test the full squad on Thursday morning.
NZR says it will provide an update on the team's situation as soon as possible, but admit it's possible Moana Pasifika may miss their final pre-season match this weekend.
All six New Zealand-based Super Rugby sides - the five traditional teams and newcomers Moana Pasifika - have relocated to Queenstown in order to play the early part of the 2022 season within a bubble.
On Saturday, the Blues play the Chiefs in their final pre-season outing, before beginning their official campaign against Moana Pasifika in Dunedin next Friday.
