Rugby, football confirm re-start dates

As the nation, outside the Auckland region, prepares to move down an alert level tomorrow, some sporting bodies have announced their plans to resume play.

RUGBY

Today New Zealand Rugby confirmed that the Bunnings Warehouse NPC, Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship will recommence from Friday, September 17, outside of Auckland.

At Alert Level 2, teams at all levels of rugby can safely return to training, but NZ Rugby has stipulated that matches will not resume until September 17, to ensure players have sufficient time to safely prepare for a return to play.

Rugby’s governing body is making plans for Auckland, North Harbour and Counties Manukau to play catch-up matches later in the season, subject to them moving to Alert Level 2.

NZ Rugby will release a revised draw for the NPC, FPC and Heartland Championship in the coming days.

NZR General Manager Community Rugby Steve Lancaster said it is great to be able to provide some certainty for players, fans and stakeholders.

“It’s great to be in a position where our teams and fans can look forward to some rugby again. And importantly, with play resuming next weekend we are planning to play the full schedule of matches in all three competitions, with later completion dates for each.

“We know it’s a tough situation for everyone in Auckland, but we are taking a positive view that the alert levels will go down and we are making contingency plans for Auckland, North Harbour and Counties Manukau to re-join the competitions with minimal disruption when they are able.”

The Tasman Mako men’s team have played two games in the NPC so far, while the women’s side have just one match to play.

FOOTBALL

Meanwhile, Marlborough Football have announced the dates for forthcoming fixtures.

The Knockout Cup semifinals will be played on Saturday, September 18, with the finals set down for Saturday September 25.

All games are to be played in Renwick, with games times spread accordingly throughout the day from 10.30am kick offs through to 2.30pm kick offs.

Rangers AFC will also be playing in Renwick. They will meet Richmond at 3pm on the No 1 pitch, this match a virtual decider for the Nelson division one title.

Marlborough Football remind teams that they should book in direct with Marlborough Football before commencing trainings on any council parks.