Vodacom Super Rugby fans in New Zealand and across the globe would be excited that rugby may, in the near future, be able to restart, says Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos.

READ: Silver lining for return-to-play protocols

Marinos was speaking after a 10-week New Zealand competition involving its five Vodacom Super Rugby clubs was given the green light by its government.

‘We have known for some time that once the green light is given to recommence playing [in any of our territories] that a revised Super Rugby competition format would have to be implemented,’ he said.

‘This will mean a strong domestic focus in each territory given the travel, border and government restrictions that we will have to adhere to.

‘Given today’s announcement by the New Zealand government, Sanzaar will now in conjunction with NZR move to the implementation of the revised Super Rugby format that has been agreed upon by all Sanzaar partners and stakeholders. We will work with NZR around the possible start date that satisfies government requirements.’

New Zealand Rugby welcomed the government’s announcement on Thursday that professional rugby and netball would resume at Covid-19 alert level 2.

‘For our fans, our players and everyone involved in Super Rugby, we are thrilled that the sports minister has given the green light for professional sport to resume at level two,’ said NZR chief executive Mark Robinson.

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