Melbourne Rebels considering moving home venue to NSW after spike in Covid-19 cases

Melbourne Rebels are considering to shift their home venue for the second round of Super Rugby AU against Queensland Reds following a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Australia had recorded 85 new cases on Monday out of which 75 were from Victoria. Following the news, Queensland government immediately announced a 14-day quarantine for any sports team in the state, who have played against Melbourne or in the city.

As a result, Rebels are now considering to move their second round game against Queensland Reds to New South Wales with Leichhardt Oval or Brookvale Oval being possible options.

Fearing such restrictions to be announced from other states as well, the Rebels have already moved away from Melbourne to Canberra on Friday - a week earlier than their original schedule - for their opening game set to be played at GIO Stadium against Brumbies.

“Not unlike other teams and codes domestically and abroad, the short-term relocation of the Melbourne Rebels away from Australia’s sporting capital has been a challenging and evolving situation,” said Rebels in a statement.

“It is a sacrifice from our club, players and staff which provides for the commencement and continuation of the 2020 Super Rugby AU competition and illustrates our commitment to the future prosperity to rugby in Australia.”

Following their clashes against Brumbies and Reds in the opening two rounds, Rebels will have a bye in the third after which they will face Waratahs next on 24th July.