Force-Pasifika game rescheduled after Super Round postponement

Tue, May 10, 2022, 3:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Force hosted the Crusaders at HBF Park.

SANZAAR have confirmed the Western Force and Moana Pasifika will play their rescheduled game on May 24 at Mt Smart Stadium.

This comes after it was originally slated for Super Round, before the WA-based club were gutted as a result of COVID.

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"The Western Force has medically reported considerable numbers of COVID-19 cases within the squad, which under Rugby Australia protocols means they are not available for selection,” Force CEO Tony Lewis said at the time. "We have worked closely with Rugby Australia High Performance to firstly protect the integrity of the Western Force club and Super Rugby Pacific.”

“We have made every effort possible to assist in making this game go ahead. Despite looking at multiple player replacement options, the number of players affected is simply too great.

“We’d like to thank Moana Pasifika for their understanding, and we look forward to meeting them at a later date.”

As a result, the game will now be played as part of the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season, kicking off proceedings on Tuesday before the Force return home to face the Hurricanes on May 28.

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“Rescheduling matches due to COVID has been disruptive for several teams this season and everyone recognises the challenges that has created for players, coaches, management and fans," Chief Executive Brendan Morris said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Super Rugby Pacific Competitions’ Committee, I would like to acknowledge the affected teams for their understanding and in particular Moana Pasifika, who have been more affected than any other club with four rescheduled matches during their inaugural season in the competition.”

SANZAAR also confirmed the Fijian Drua will take their round 15 home game against the Chiefs to Lautoka, Fiji.

The game was originally scheduled for the Gold Coast, however, they confirmed initial reports the match has been moved to Churchill Park after the success of their last month's game against the Highlanders.

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