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The New Zealand border call hits rugby, A-League, NBL

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Sporting codes on both sides of Tasmania will put pressure on the New Zealand government after being taken aback by its call to ban Australians and foreigners until 2022.

On Wednesday, Jacinda Ardern’s government unveiled changes to its border regime, deciding to keep the isolation requirements in place next year.

This means the new Super Rugby Pacific is ready for a complete overhaul, as are the NBL’s plans to bring the New Zealand Breakers back to Auckland.

As for the ill-fated Wellington Phoenix, his men’s team faces the prospect of another A-League away campaign and the women’s team could spend their inaugural season entirely in Australia.

The decision will not affect the Warriors, who have already pledged to spend the NRL 2022 campaign in Australia to avoid any uncertainty.

Other competitions and codes with Kiwi athletes, including cricket and supercars, could also be affected by the border changes.

The New Zealand government is gradually phasing out the mandatory on-arrival quarantine hated by touring sports teams.

From January 17, kiwis in Australia will be able to skip quarantine in favor of self-isolation.

From April 30, Australians and other foreigners will be able to do the same.

However, the seven-day self-isolation requirement will remain, even for New Zealand citizens, making many sports competitions impractical.

The changes also mean that the ODI Women’s Cricket World Cup, staged in March, will be banned for foreign fans.

The health tough government isn’t planning exemptions for sports teams until there is health advice to back it up.

“Of course I want the Super Rugby competition to take place, but we are always guided by health advice,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Sports Minister Grant Robertson.

“The health ministry’s advice consistently hasn’t been to cut down on isolation times.

“So if sports teams use (self-isolation) it will be the same time frame.”

The Australian men’s cricket team, scheduled to play three T20s against the Black Caps in March, may also cancel the trip given the self-isolation requirement.

New Zealand rugby executive Chris Lendlum said his organization was “digesting” the news given the potential impact on Super Rugby Pacific.

“We now need to see more details from the government and continue to work on our existing contingency planning with key partners including Rugby Australia, Sanzaar and our teams,” he said.

A-Leagues Commissioner Greg O’Rourke also said he wanted more information.

“Wellington Phoenix is ​​in ongoing discussions with Sports NZ and the New Zealand government in order to bring home games back to Wellington this season,” he said.

-AAP

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