The Melbourne Rebels are operating as per usual despite concerns about a coronavirus resurgence in Victoria.
Victoria has seen a spike in cases in recent days that led to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advising residents to avoid travelling to Victoria and Queensland label the whole of Melbourne a COVID-19 hot spot.
In the sporting realm, the Melbourne Storm are being relocated to NSW indefinitely after the case spikes and it is unclear when they will return, let alone whether crowds will be cleared to attend.
Both the NRL and AFL have had matches postponed in recent weeks because of concern over a potential coronavirus case and it's a situation that will be closely watched by rugby.
Essendon's Conor McKenna became the first AFL player to test positive to the virus since the season resumption, seeing their round three clash with Melbourne postponed.
McKenna's teammate James Stewart is also set to be quarantined for 14 days after being classified as a 'close contact' of MCKenna.
The Rebels players and staff were all tested for the virus on Monday, disrupting a day of training, but there are no current plans for the team to deviate from their regular schedule.
Melbourne is set to travel to Canberra for their Super Rugby AU opener on Saturday July 4 and at this stage, there has been no suggestion that will not be the case.
Their first home game is a week later against the Reds and the club will be anxiously waiting to find out whether fans will be allowed in the stadium, something that is in serious doubt in the wake of the recent developments.
Currently, the only team unable to play home games in Super Rugby AU for the short-term is the Force, who will be based in a Hunter Valley hub for the opening month of the competition because of WA's strict border restrictions.
It is hoped they will be able to host teams by the end of July but should WA's mandated quarantine for interstate travellers remain in place those plans could also be scuppered.
News has been more positive for Queensland and the ACT, with 10,000 fans cleared to watch matches in Queensland from this weekend and the Brumbies set to open up for up to 1500 spectators.
Super Rugby AU kicks off on Friday July 3 with the Reds hosting the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, while the Brumbies host the Rebels on Saturday July 4, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy a Kayo Sports subscription here.
