The NRL, Super Rugby and A-League seasons are on the verge of being shutdown following the New Zealand government’s new border restrictions to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Kiwi teams are involved in those competitions, with all international arrivals in New Zealand to be forced into isolation for a fortnight.New Zealanders have also been advised to avoid all non-essential travel.
At the time of the announcement, the New Zealand Warriors were playing the Knights in their opening round NRL clash in Newcastle. NRL officials were to hold an emergency meeting shortly after full-time to discuss the situation.
AAP understands a proposition will be made for the Warriors team to stay in Australia and play all their games there until the border restrictions are loosened. The club won’t make a commitment until it has learned more about the restrictions. It is understood the opinion of the players will be canvassed. Many of them have young families in Auckland and may be reluctant to stay offshore indefinitely.
Australia’s ODI series against the Black Caps has already been abandoned, with New Zealand players rushing home before the measures kick in at midnight Sunday. The trans-Tasman cricket clash started on Friday, with Australia winning the first match of the three-game series with no spectators allowed into the SCG.
In the A-League, Wellington Phoenix issued a short statement saying it will be “impossible” to host A-League games beyond this Sunday’s match against Melbourne Victory, which will go ahead as scheduled at Sky Stadium. “The club has been making preparations for this eventuality and will make further announcements in due course,” the statement said.
The Crusaders are playing the Sunwolves in Brisbane on Saturday and can return home before the new measures come into force, but Dunedin-based Super Rugby team the Highlanders are in Buenos Aires preparing for Sunday’s game with the Jaguares and will not be back in time. Via a statement, SANZAAR said they were not in a position to comment on the impact of New Zealand’s measures to the Super Rugby season until their executive committee meets.
All people who arrive in New Zealand from Sunday – including returning Kiwis – will need to adhere to the measures. “New Zealand will have the widest-ranging and toughest border restrictions of anyone in the world,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
It comes a day after the Australian Formula One grand prix was cancelled when a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. Four Supercars races to be held alongside the F1 season-opener in Melbourne were also cancelled.
The AFL’s men’s premiership season is scheduled to start next Thursday night at the MCG without fans attending – the same scenario for the AFL’s women’s competition.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said Friday night’s matches would proceed with spectators but round two games would be held in empty stadiums.
The NBL’s grand final series between Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats will continue, with game three on Sunday to be held without spectators.
Major sports around the world, including the NBA and EPL, have already postponed their seasons because of the coronavirus.