New Zealand's North v South game postponed following Auckland lockdown

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that the North v South game has been postponed by a week following the Covid-19 restrictions imposed in the country.

Eden Park was scheduled to host the game on 29th August but the increase in Covid-19 cases in Auckland has forced the government to reimpose lockdown in the country's biggest city while the rest of the places have been advised to follow social distancing due to which the squad members are unable to participate in training and other related activities leading to the game.

The game will now be played on 5th September with Wellington being the standby venue if the situation does not improve in Auckland.

NZR’s Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum expressed disappointment on the news but said the board will extend full support to the government as they look to curb the new surge of novel coronavirus.

“We’re disappointed that the game can’t go ahead at this stage next week, but we understand and respect the Government’s decision,” Lendrum said in a statement.

“We’re no different from hundreds of other New Zealanders who have also had their requests for exemption turned down, so we have to abide by the decision.”