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More disruptions for Super Rugby as plug pulled on pre-season match
By AAP
The Super Rugby AU trial between the NSW Waratahs and Brumbies in Bowral later this month has been cancelled, as coronavirus again threatens to disrupt the home-and-away season.
Due to current border restrictions, Super Rugby teams and Rugby Australia have agreed to limit the pre-season trials to just one per team.
The Waratahs have opted to take on the Queensland Reds in Narrabri on February 5, with the Brumbies yet to make an announcement on their trial.
While ACT residents can travel to non-COVID-19 affected areas of NSW including Bowral, the Waratahs are coming from an "affected area".
NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said while disappointing, continuing disruptions due to state border closures and health advice meant that the event could not go ahead on Jan 30.
"We had hoped the COVID-19 situation would have taken a different route by the end of the month, but we felt it important to provide plenty of notice to our members and f ans, and in particular the Southern Highlands rugby community who have been so accommodating," Doorn said in a statement.
"Our plan will be to return to Bowral through 2021 to deliver coaching clinics, courses, development opportunities and more.
"At this point in time we are still planning to proceed with our second trial game against the Queensland Reds in Narrabri but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the health advice as we move closer."
The Melbourne Rebels and Western Force, who spent the entire 2020 Super Rugby AU season on the road, have yet to announce their trials.
The Rebels say they are looking at relocating players interstate again due to border restrictions, although still hopeful of playing some home games at Melbourne's AAMI Park.
- Melissa Woods
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Latest Comments
He's a Kiwi, so it's obvious that he'll play for Scotland.
Townsend has sold Scotland's credibility for a handful more wins.
Go to commentsHe is contracted to the end of 2025. When he took the job he said he probably wouldn't go onto the RWC. If that pans out how does that equate with walking out and undermining us.
And you confidently stated that due to your influence he would be gone by the end of 2024.
That didn't happen and he definitely will be coaching the Wallabies until the end of this year and if he leaves then it will be as per his contract.
Your Walter Mitty fantasising continues.
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