Super Rugby Pacific's 2022 season opener has been postponed, after seven positive COVID-19 cases within the Moana Pasifika team.
Moana Pasifika were originally scheduled to face the Blues in the first match of Super Rugby Pacific on February 18, but that match will now be played at a later date, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirms.
The team are now all isolating in their Queenstown hotel, and following all COVID-19 protocols.
No positive COVID-19 cases have been detected in the other five New Zealand-based Super Rugby sides.
All six New Zealand-based Super Rugby sides have relocated to Queenstown to play the opening three weeks of the 2022 season in a bubble, with Moana Pasifika's positive cases hindering the intended disruption-free start to the competition.
NZR's head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum says that Moana Pasifika are being supported through their mandatory isolation period, and is adamant the team will still feature in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
"Our thoughts are with the players who have tested positive, and our focus is on ensuring they have the full support of NZR as they deal with their situation," he says.
"We also share the disappointment of the Moana Pasifika players, coaches, staff and fans. We know how hard they have worked and how eager they are to get out on the field.
"However, we also remain confident Moana Pasifika can get through this period of isolation and join the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season and will be doing everything we can to support them over the coming weeks."
An update on the rescheduled match between Moana Pasifika and the Blues will be given at a later date.
Moana Pasifika's positive cases also sees an alteration to Saturday's pre-season fixtures.
The team were originally due to face the Highlanders in Queenstown, who will instead take part in a game of three halves alongside the Blues and Chiefs.
