Blues likely to abandon opening match against Hurricanes if level 3 restrictions are still in place

The Auckland Blues could be forced to abandon their opening Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the Hurricanes next Saturday if the level 3 restrictions are still in place.

Blues CEO Andrew Hore says the level of contact the players need to prepare for the tournament is huge and three days of no training is challenging but a week will be even more challenging.

Hore says they are exploring all options, including playing organised games this weekend, in or out of Auckland against another Super Rugby side, if restrictions are eased.

The Blues have cancelled their final pre-season game against the Crusaders this weekend due to the city being at alert level 3.

The 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season kicks-off next Friday with the Crusaders taking on the Highlanders at 6.05pm and Hurricanes will face the Blues at 6.05pm next Saturday.

[Source: TVNZ]