North v South game to be played in Wellington without spectators

by The TRU Team Wednesday 26 August 2020

Wellington's Sky Stadium will host the game

©PA

New Zealand Rugby's North v South game has been rescheduled to be played at Sky Stadium in Wellington on 5th September without spectators.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at Eden Park on 29th August but was postponed by a week following the lockdown and restrictions in Auckland. With Auckland remaining at level three restriction until Sunday and the remaining of country at level two, the New Zealand board has decided to shift the game to Wellington without fans.

“We’re delighted that the match can go ahead in Wellington, but obviously it’s a shame that it’ll have to be played without fans in the stands. That said, we’re fully supportive and understanding of the Government’s health and safety recommendations regarding Covid-19," said NZR general manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum.

“We feel for the Auckland fans who were set to fill Eden Park in their tens of thousands.

“If we have that same response from fans watching the match on TV, then it will be a huge audience tuning in on Sky.”

The squads are set to reach Wellington next week to prepare for the game.