Reds to enter Ballymore ‘bubble’

The Queensland Reds will enter a Ballymore “bubble” to prepare for Saturday week’s Super Rugby AU grand final after being granted permission from the state government to return to Brisbane.

The Reds on Monday were given the green light to travel home from Sydney, where they had been based since Saturday after flying back to the east coast from Perth.

Beaten 30-27 the Western Force at HBF Park last Friday night, the Reds were keen to leave Perth as soon as possible after Western Australia’s capital city went into a three-day lockdown due to small COVID-19 outbreak.

However, with the Queensland government having stopped travellers from Perth entering the state, the Reds instead flew on Saturday to NSW, where they waited until receiving approval from the Queensland Health Department to fly to Brisbane.

The Reds will fly home on Monday night on a chartered place. Once in Brisbane, players and staff will enter home quarantine and be able to train in a “bubble” at Ballymore.

It’s a similar model to what the Reds during last year’s COVID-19-affected campaign.

Taniela Tupou scores for the Reds in their 30-27 loss to Western Force. Picture: Will Russell/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“We have been successfully working with the Queensland Government to protect the health and safety of our staff, players and community,” Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said

“It’s essential we do this, and it will continue to remain a priority moving forward.

“In line with the same successful model put in place last year, protocols will be taken to fence-off Ballymore with only essential players and staff allowed to enter the premises to ensure strict biosecurity measures are taken as outlined in our approved Queensland Government submission.

“Any players and staff that did not travel to WA who are currently in Queensland and who will join the Ballymore ‘bubble’ during the week will also comply with the same home quarantine requirements.

“In addition to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved, these protocols are in place to ensure the team can continue their training preparations ahead of next Saturday’s Super Rugby AU grand final at Suncorp Stadium.

The Reds will meet the winner of this weekend’s qualifying final in Canberra between the Brumbies and the Force.

Source: Read Full Article