Covid throws spanner in Brumbies' pre-season preparation

The Brumbies’ preparations to defend their Super Rugby AU title are being stifled by new Covid-19 concerns.

A match was scheduled to go ahead between the Brumbies and Waratahs as a pre-season warm-up clash in Bowral on 30 January, however, the fixture is now in doubt.

The government has imposed new travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, but said restrictions have a direct effect on the Super Rugby franchise’s pre-season plans.

"We're obviously really disappointed we aren't going to be able to get down to the Southern Highlands and take on the Waratahs later this month," said Phil Thomson, Brumbies chief executive.

It appears that the Brumbies will, instead, host trial matches, though nothing is set in stone as of yet.

"There is a lot of support for rugby in the region with a lot of excitement around the event and we'd like to acknowledge the work already gone in by the Bowral Blacks Rugby Club who have gone to great lengths to get this event off the ground,” Thomson continued.

"We hoped the COVID-19 situation would have moved in a different direction but unfortunately the franchises have had to make this decision in the best interest of the upcoming Super Rugby season."