New Zealand postpones all rugby league until May 2nd, as Warriors remain in Australia

New Zealand rugby league has postponed all of its rugby league competitions, tournaments and training until May 2.

That includes all districts and clubs, though restrictions do not prevent clubs operating on their facilities.

NRL side New Zealand Warriors are currently stranded in Australia, with restrictions on travel back to New Zealand, and they have flown five currently injured players out to Australia to help bolster their number.

Gerard Beale, Agnatius Paasi, Jazz Tevaga and Josh Curren will all have to spend the first 14-days in isolation, but will be able to train together and then be available for selection from round four.

If the Warriors return to New Zealand, they will have to go straight in to isolation for 14 days, ruling them out of NRL action.

The current plan appears to be them remaining in Australia, where they are currently holed out in New South Wales, with their scheduled home game with Canberra this weekend due to take place on the Gold Coast.

Their next away game is due to be against Manly on March 27.

The Warriors reserve side has also withdrawn from the NSW Cup.

On the grassroots rugby league ban, the NZRL said: “We are continuously liaising with government agencies and will continue to update you with the latest information.

“We appreciate this is an unprecedented step being taken for community rugby league; however, this decision has been made solely with the safety and wellbeing of our players, staff, volunteers, whanau and the wider community in mind.”