The Hurricanes have been forced to withdraw from their opening match of Super Rugby Aupiki.
Photo: Supplied
Covid cases and isolation requirements within the Poua squad meant they were unable to play the Blues in Hamilton on Thursday night.
The match had been cancelled, with the teams to share the competition points.
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said their team didn't have the numbers to make up a 23-player squad.
"This is the reality and nature of COVID. Player wellbeing is paramount at this point.
"Those who are not isolating are continuing with their training and are including the isolating players in Zoom activities to keep everyone connected and raring to go."
The decision comes after the opening round was pushed back from last weekend until Thursday this week.
New Zealand Rugby general manager of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said cancelling the match was the only option.
"This is obviously not how we wanted to see the opening day of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki play out, but player wellbeing is the number one priority so while it was a tough decision for the Hurricanes, it was a necessary one."
The other round one match between the Chiefs Manawa and Matatū, who played a pre-season fixture last weekend, would still go ahead on on Thursday.