New Zealand Rugby has removed six players from its NPC squads and is working with the players and their provincial unions to relocate them back to Auckland after being alerted to errors in their respective applications for a Covid-19 travel exemption.
NZ Rugby was made aware of an issue with the provincial union's applications early this week and advised the Government as soon as possible, seeking advice on how to remedy the situation in the interests of public health and player welfare.
The six players travelled separately from Auckland to Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Bay of Plenty and Northland respectively to join their NPC squads over the past six to 10 days after being granted a travel exemption via an online application process managed by their provincial unions.
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said it was an unfortunate situation for the players who had moved out of Auckland in good faith for their employment.
"I want to make it clear that the players are not at fault in this situation. The respective provincial unions managed an online application process to move their players out of Auckland, and although they provided full disclosure of their circumstances and intentions as professional rugby players, the forms were ultimately submitted incorrectly.