NPC Covid interruption
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Exclusive: Top Auckland rugby teams' bold move to escape level 3
NZR has requested a business exemption for three Auckland teams to rejoin the NPC.
Top Auckland rugby teams' bold move to escape Covid-19 alert level 3, rejoin National Provincial Championship
Patrick McKendry
9 Sep, 2021 04:00 PMNew Zealand Rugby has presented a business exemption case to the Government to allow the Auckland, North Harbour and Counties Manukau provincial rugby teams to train in separate bubbles in Taupō from next week in the hope of rejoining the NPC as quickly as possible.
None of the players from those teams are allowed to play or even train together due to Auckland's strict Covid level 4 restrictions. With the rest of the country now in level 2, players from the 11 other teams from unions as far flung as Northland and Southland can train together with a view to restarting the NPC on Friday next week.
But for Auckland, North Harbour and Counties Manukau the situation is very different and it will remain that way even if the Auckland region moves to level 3 next week after four weeks of lockdown.
The Herald understands that has prompted NZR to request a business exemption for the three teams to train in Taupō, which is in level 2, in order for them to enter the competition sooner rather than later. The revised draw, minus the three Auckland regional teams, has yet to be released by NZR.
It is understood that should the Government give the okay for the exemption, which is a high bar and by no means guaranteed, the three teams would travel to Taupō on the day Auckland moves to level 3. With cases steadily dropping by the day - 13 is the latest number - hopes are high that will happen next Wednesday.
The three teams would base themselves at Wairakei Resort and the bill picked up by NZR.
All players would need to have a Covid test before travelling and all will need to be vaccinated. The players would be allowed to decline the trip should they or their families be worried about them travelling. The Herald has also learned that the players would need to stay in their own bubbles at the resort for seven days before being allowed to interact with the community.
The earliest the teams could enter the competition would be the first weekend of October and, assuming Auckland isn't at level 2 by then, it's possible their matches could be played in Taupō. Under level 2 restrictions, outdoor gatherings are restricted to fewer than 100 people. Crowds in stadiums are not permitted until level 1.
There is a feeling within rugby circles in the Super City that this will be NZR's final attempt to include Auckland, North Harbour and Counties Manukau in the competition.
October 8 appears to be the cut-off date for the three unions' involvement. Should the Government decline the application then the teams from three unions are unlikely to play competitively this season.
There have been discussions about extending the NPC into December, but that appears to be unworkable as the Super Rugby players involved won't get an adequate break before they are expected to assemble for that competition.
Auckland were the beaten finalists at Eden Park last year when losing 13-12 to Ta$man.
Making Harbour's current predicament even more difficult is the fact their chief executive of four years David Gibson has left his role.
Harbour chairman Gerard van Tilborg confirmed to the Herald that Gibson had left to pursue other "commercial opportunities". Gibson's notice period ended on August 19, two days after the nation went into lockdown. His role has been advertised but is yet to be filled.
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Has anyone seen confirmation that the fixtures next weekend will be played as per the original draw? So a restart for 18 September means the Round 7 games are played and the mighty Bay play for the Real Bay Title on the Sunday? Oh and for the Ranfurly Shield.
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@kiwipie NZR did say they will announce the schedule next week but 3 fixtures would need to be changed, and Otago and Southland have already played eachother. As you say, do they just keep the draw as is, and make up the other games later or completely change it.
Waikato has missed out on a RS challenge and could be facing Mo'unga as a consolation.
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@kiwipie They had some footage on the news the other night of THE BAY training with a quick interview with our coach. It was a bit ambiguous but there was a reference to The Shield game. Not exactly sure what can be read into it but fingers crossed !!
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Draw released for week 3 .
Draws confirmed for the Bunnings Warehouse NPC and Heartland Championship
The Bunnings Warehouse NPC will re-start in Hamilton and the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship season will belatedly kick off in Te Kuiti as provincial rugby resumes next weekend, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced today.
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@yeetyaah Always going to happen as it is less disruptive than pushing all of the games back 4 weeks. This is week 7 of the old draw minus the games involving NH, Auckland and CM. The order of the games have changed though.
Now we wait to see if we go down to L1, otherwise there will be a restricted capacity (yes, even for the NPC).
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@yeetyaah said in NPC Covid interruption:
@bovidae argggh fuck that's annoying, Waikato actually had a chance to take the Shield.
Other than being on the same field at the same time that chance would only have existed until Hawkes Bay got off nil. Even then a nil nil draw is still a successful defense.
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