QUEENSTOWN BUBBLE INITIATIVE

The Blues are backing the work by all New Zealand-based Super Rugby Clubs and NZ Rugby, to establish a bubble to ensure the Super Rugby Pacific competition goes ahead uninterrupted by Covid.

In consultation with all six New Zealand-based Super Rugby Clubs, NZR has made the decision to relocate the New Zealand-based Super Rugby Pacific squads to Queenstown to mitigate against the risk of COVID-19.

The bubble set-up is the most practical way to operate given the high infection risk posed by COVID/Omicron and the current public health settings. Each team will be housed in their own isolation bubble and can prepare and play in an environment free from the infection risks posed in our normal home and team. Unfortunately, it means playing without public attending.

The Blues are pleased that fans will be able to enjoy Super Rugby Pacific with massive coverage from our Broadcast Partners at Sky, while we will be able to deliver some behind-the-scenes news from our team exclusive on our social channels.

Once the initial round of matches between all New Zealand-based clubs has been completed, it is envisaged that the public health and border access protocols will have improved to open the way for the trans-Tasman component of the competition.

Queenstown is a logical location with available accommodation, access to training and playing fields, and a lower rise of COVID infection in a less populated centre.

The Blues will get established in our Queenstown base over the next week to begin training and prepare for the competition opener against Moana Pasifika on Friday 18 February.

Games will be played at the Wakatipu Rugby Club and under lights at Rugby Park in Invercargill.

The Blues Preseason fixture has also moved to minimise the risk, this is to now be played behind closed doors in Wellington against the Hurricanes.