The announcement by the Government to extend the COVID-19 Alert Level 2 for everyone outside of Auckland, means that the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union will be unable to host any general admission spectators to our first home game this Saturday.

With the Volcanix taking on Waikato at 4.35pm and the Steamers taking on Southland at 7.05pm at Rotorua International Stadium, the extension of Level 2 for everyone (except Auckland being at Level 2.5) to at least Monday, means only a small number of corporate hospitality guests will be able to be safely hosted at the venue.

Viewers will be able to watch both games live on Sky Sport 2 (channel 52) from 4.30pm for the Volcanix vs Waikato game and Sky Sport 1 (channel 51) from 7.00pm for the Steamers vs Southland game.

"While it is unfortunate we cannot allow public into the game this weekend, our priority is the health and welfare of our players, management and the wider rugby community during this time," says Bay of Plenty Rugby CEO Mike Rogers.

"We hope that we get the opportunity to host crowds at our next home game against Auckland on Friday, October 2, in Rotorua."