Heartland kick-off delayed again
Farriers Wairarapa-Bush’s Heartland season looks likely to run until mid-November.
NZ Rugby announced on Wednesday that no rugby would be played in New Zealand for the second consecutive weekend because of the extension of the covid-19 level four restrictions.
NZR community rugby general manager Steve Lancaster said cancelling all rugby across the country this weekend was the only responsible option.
“It’s disappointing once again to keep our participants on the sidelines, but it’s the right thing to do under the circumstances,” Lancaster said.
“Although some parts of the country may be in a position to play on Saturday, teams would not have been able to train for two weeks which potentially creates player welfare issues.
“Clubs and schools would not have adequate time from midnight Friday to prepare to host games within government guidelines. So we will wait another week, and hopefully, rugby can play its part in helping the country stamp out this outbreak.”
Wai-Bush chief executive officer Tony Hargood said the covid-19 restrictions must move to level two before competition can get under way.
“One of the criteria is around health and safety for the players … and that can’t happen until level two,” Hargood said.
“It would great if we’re up and running around game four, which would be East Coast, and once we have a good indication of when level two is, we’ll be starting the Saturday following.
“All the Heartland CEOs and the feedback from the coaches across is pretty clear that they want to complete the competition, and a mid-November finish looks quite likely.”
Wai-Bush were to travel to Te Kuiti to play King Country on Saturday, followed by an away clash with Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin.
With the likelihood of moving to level two restrictions remote, the King Country game will now be moved to the end of the round-robin, with the Horowhenua-Kapiti game likely to follow.
The home game on September 11 against East Coast was also planned to coincide with Wai-Bush’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which cannot go ahead if level two restrictions are in force.
Hargood said the union is also keen for the finals in the JAB Under-11s, Under-13s, Under-15s, and secondary school First XV competitions to be played. A decision on those games will be made later this week.
CHRIS COGDALE
chris.cogdale@age.co.nz