New Zealand's full-back Beauden Barrett reacts during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between England and New Zealand at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on October 26, 2019. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

The suspension of club and community rugby in New Zealand has been extended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the sport's resumption now contingent on health ministry guidance, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said yesterday. 

All matches, training and face-to-face education courses in New Zealand were initially suspended until April 18. 

However, the governing body said providing a specific restart date was unrealistic given the nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus.