NZ Rugby confirms updated Super Rugby Schedule

NEWS: COVID-19 outbreaks in the Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders squads have forced the postponement of all three Super Rugby Pacific matches in New Zealand this weekend.

The Highlanders v Moana Pasifika, Hurricanes v Chiefs and Crusaders v Blues games were all put on ice on Wednesday.

The chaotic fixture reshuffle will allow the previously postponed Blues v Moana Pasifika to played instead, while officials insist the five other delayed games will still be contested later this season.

The Hurricanes and Chiefs could have played their game as initially scheduled but Moana Pasifika were favoured given they had already had three of four games postponed this season.

No Australian-based games have been rescheduled this season and all three are set to go ahead this week.

"With three teams remaining [and able to play] we had to look at what was the best outcome for the competition and a key consideration was to ensure Moana Pasifika got back on the field again," NZR fixtures boss Cameron Good said.

"This has been a tough call on the Hurricanes. I would like to acknowledge the Hurricanes for their understanding and cooperation in putting the competition first.

"We are looking at the schedule and believe there are opportunities to play the postponed matches without major disruption to the draw and will announce details in due course."

The five New Zealand-based teams are set to play in a Super Round in Melbourne between April 22-24, before a genuine home-and-away calendar with trans-Tasman travel will complete the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season.

The prospect of that occurring received a boost on Wednesday with the announcement of quarantine-free entry for Australians into New Zealand from April 12.