The final of the Rugby Southland division one competition has been pushed back by a week, as repercussions continue from the controversial match between Tokanui and Bluff earlier this month.
Rugby Southland was forced to reschedule the match between Bluff and Pioneer - set for June 14 - after the Southland Referees Association refused to provide an official for the match. The game between Bluff and Tokanui the previous week led to allegations of racism from both sides.
The deferred match has been scheduled for next Saturday, to be played at the Pioneer grounds in Gore. The round which was set to be played next Saturday would then be played on July 19 and playoffs would then be played over the next two weeks.
The final would be played on Friday, August 1, starting at 7pm.
Southland play Otago in the opening round of the NPC the following day.
Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said the date changes had been unanimously agreed upon after consultation with Bluff, Pioneer and Albion clubs.
Pioneer coach Jason Smith said his team’s postponement had provided a short break, but was doubtful it created a disadvantage to any competitors.
"I was just a bit disappointed we didn’t get to play rugby that Saturday [June 14] when we had buses booked and everything organised - everybody was raring to go."
Both Bluff and Pioneer have a chance to get into the top four, with fourth-placed Albion one point ahead of Pioneer going in to games today.
Mr Smith expected the Friday night final may cause a disruption.
The hosting club would potentially lose some income, he said.
"Whoever gets to host that is potentially missing out on a big day because a Friday night’s never... as good as a Saturday.You can get into the occasion a bit better on a Saturday."
"They will still have a reasonable crowd, but not to the extent of a Saturday when you’ve got sidelines absolutely packed and people everywhere."
Some players did not like night rugby as it was a rush to transition from work to a player headspace.
"They probably don’t settle into the game as well as they would on a Saturday.
"You don’t start until seven o’clock, so we’re not off the paddock until about half past nine to quarter to ten ... but all the teams will be in the same boat."
- By Toni McDonald
