Manu Samoa v Maori All Blacks to be played behind closed doors

APIA, SAMOA – 24 JUNE 2021: Manu Samoa’s first outing against the Maori All Blacks this Saturday will be played behind closed doors as the Wellington Region will move to Alert Level 2 from 6.00pm Wednesday 23 June until 11.59pm Sunday 27 June.

This follows the news of a confirmed Covid-19 case who travelled to Wellington over the weekend.

“Unfortunately, this means that the match between Manu Samoa and the Māori All Blacks scheduled for this Saturday 26 June will be played behind closed doors,” Lakapi Samoa announced last night.

There will be no access to the public for this match and all purchased tickets will be fully refunded. Ticketek will be in touch directly with ticket holders directly.

Fans however will be able to see the match on Sky Sport 1 from 7pm.

“We are looking forward to our first game in New Zealand against the Maori All Blacks, but disappointed our fans won’t be joining us in the Stadium. I hope they tune into Sky Sport, to support us,” said Manu Samoa Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua.

Manu Samoa Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua as team arrive for training at the Poneke Rugby Club

Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “We are grateful the game can continue against our Samoan brothers but are obviously disappointed our fans won’t be able to attend but know they will be supporting us and watching via Sky.”

CEO of Lakapi Samoa, Vincent Fepuleai said “While disappointed our fans won’t be in the Stadium to watch the game, we are still excited to be able to play this game against the Maori All Blacks. We look forward to welcoming our fans in Auckland.”

Jason Hill, Director Westview Events added “While disappointed that we are unable to share this game with the Manu Samoa and Maori All Blacks rugby fans of Wellington, we respect the need to prioritize safety over sport at this time. We look forward now to welcoming everyone to our 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifier between Manu Samoa and Tonga at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland on 10 July.”