Manu Samoa's first rugby game in more than 600 days will be played behind closed doors after the Wellington region moved to alert level two.
Manu Samoa open their 2021 season against the Māori All Blacks in Wellington. Photo: Facebook/Manu Samoa
Sky Stadium said all tickets for Saturday's clash against the Māori All Blacks will be refunded.
Manu Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, said they're looking forward to their first game in New Zealand but disappointed that their fans won't be able to see them play.
Saturday's clash will be Samoa's first taste of international rugby since the 2019 World Cup, while they last played in Wellington back in 2004.
Manu Samoa last played in Wellington in 2004 against Scotland. Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Lakapi Samoa CEO Vincent Fepuleai said while it was disappointing fans can't attend the game in Wellington, they look forward to welcoming Samoan supporters in Auckland for the second match of the series next weekend.
The alert level change comes after an Australian tourist who visited Wellington over the weekend tested positive for Covid-19 on his return to Sydney.
Manu Samoa building towards two Rugby World Cup qualifiers against Tonga. Photo: Facebook/Manu Samoa
Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast are now at alert level 2 until 11.59pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Manu Samoa assistant coach Faalogo Tana Umaga was inducted as a Wellington Sporting Legend last night.
The Wellington Sport and Recreation Awards were streamed online because of the move to alert level two.
Faalogo Tana Umaga was inducted as a Wellington Sporting Legend. Photo: Facebook/Manu Samoa