The NSW Waratahs have today announced that the pre-season trial match against the Brumbies has been cancelled.
Current COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, impacting travel and community events, has forced the cancellation of the match which was slated to take place in Bowral on January 30.
As part of the risk mitigation plan, the Super Rugby teams, in conjunction with Rugby Australia, have agreed to reduce the number of trial games, meaning the NSW Waratahs will take on the Qld Reds in Narrabri on 5 February, with the Brumbies set to make an announcement around their trial in the coming week.
NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said that while disappointing, continuing disruptions due to state border closures and health advice meant that the event could not go ahead on the date as originally planned.
“We had hoped the COVID-19 situation would have taken a different route by the end of the month, but we felt it important to provide plenty of notice to our members and fans, and in particular the Southern Highlands rugby community who have been so accommodating,” he said.
“I’d like to acknowledge the support from the Bowral Blacks Rugby Club, who up to this point have gone above and beyond in working with us to try and make this event possible. Our plan will be to return to Bowral through 2021 to deliver coaching clinics, courses, development opportunities and more.
“At this point in time we are still planning to proceed with our second trial game against the Queensland Reds in Narrabri. But we will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the health advice as we move closer.
“Our main focus is ensuring the Waratahs are ready for the start of the Super Rugby AU season which kicks off 19 February 2021,” he said.
