• New Zealand is going to decide on Monday whether the country will from "Level3" to "Level2"
• NZ could become the world's 1st major rugby nation to resume playing soon.
• Due to COVID-19 NZ has recorded less than 1500 infections and 21 deaths 
  
  
  
  

New Zealand Minister of Sports and Recreation Grant Robertson said professional sport can resume in the country when the country lowers the Covid-19 alert level slightly.

The New Zealand Sports Ministry announced Thursday that New Zealand may agree to resume professional sports early next week when authorities decide whether to lift restrictions on the coronavirus.

Sports and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson said professional sport could resume in the country when the country lowers the Covid-19 alert level slightly.

On Monday, New Zealand is to decide whether the country to move from "level 3" to "level 2".

"The transition to level 2 alert continues to expand sport and recreation opportunities and restore the opportunity to play competitive sport locally and professionally," said Robertson in a statement.

"Obviously, the main concern is that a return to competitive sport is safe."

The announcement will give hope that New Zealand will become the first major rugby country in the world to return to the sport at the elite level.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said it was " thrilled" and had planned ten matches of national matches for the country's five super rugby teams, which have been inactive since the season was suspended in March.

"The five teams will play at home and away for 10 weeks with two games each weekend. All games will be played behind closed doors," said New Zealand general manager Mark Robinson.

"Kiwi rugby fans love local Super Rugby derby games and will now have 10 consecutive rounds to enjoy."

The national parties are supported by the administrative body of Super Rugby SANZAAR, which includes associated unions from Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.

Robinson of the NZR added that a decision will be made over the next two weeks on whether New Zealand will conduct the tests scheduled for July against Wales and Scotland.

Compared to the United States and European countries, New Zealand has been relatively successful in containing Covid-19, with fewer than 1,500 injured and 21 deaths.

Infection rates have declined in recent weeks after authorities installed one of the most resistant locks in the world.

New Zealand lowered its Covid-19 alert level to level 3 from level 4 last week, allowing more freedom of movement and 400,000 people returning to work.

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