Given its strong response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the country of New Zealand is close to reducing its alert level from a level three to a level two. One of the major upshots of this move would be the allowance of the Super Rugby season to continue, albeit behind closed doors. 

The plan laid out involves only the five New Zealand-based franchises, who would each play one another twice -- home and away -- in a 10 week season. 

According to New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson, "All matches will be played in closed stadiums.

"As soon as the country announces what date we move to alert level two, we will be able to confirm what date Super Rugby will kick off.

"Both netball and rugby have been working closely with government agencies on what training and playing at level 2 could look like, and we are incredibly grateful for their support."

He also says that players will need roughly a month of time to train and prepare their bodies before jumping back into game action, and adds that a decision on New Zealand's July test matches against Wales and Scotland will be made within the next two weeks.