Auckland's three NPC teams have been given permission to train in small groups, but their return to the competition remains uncertain.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed North Harbour, Auckland and Counties Manukau will return to supervised aerobic training sessions in small groups, in preparation for a planned return to the NPC after being forced to sit out of the recently resumed competition due to Covid-19 restrictions.
After twice having exemptions to move the teams out of the city rejected, NZ Rugby announced that the three teams have now been granted permission to train with protocols designed in accordance with Government alert Level 3 requirements, prioritising the health and wellbeing of players, staff and the wider community.
Training groups are restricted to just 10 people for only 60 minutes, with physical distancing maintained at all times.
There will also be no sharing of equipment and all players and staff will have been tested beforehand.