The Brumbies are set to field a depleted team against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday after it’s been confirmed their squad is battling a mumps outbreak.
A number of cases have been confirmed within the Brumbies playing squad and backroom staff following testing this week, with Rugby Australia and Sanzaar stepping in.
After consultation with ACT Health department, only players and staff who are completely well will be able to travel to Hamilton for their round-four clash on Saturday and if any player or staff member becomes unwell in New Zealand, they will be immediately isolated.
The Brumbies’ travelling squad must be able to prove immunisation or if they have also suffered mumps, no longer have symptoms and have spent at least five days in isolation after the onset of the infection. The club has also urged families to be immunised.
The Brumbies were forced into late team changes before their last- round loss to the Highlanders, with Darcy Swain and Irae Simone withdrawn on the day of the game due to illness while other players reported feeling unwell.
Initial testing was inconclusive before mumps were confirmed. The Brumbies’ three opponents this season — the Reds, Rebels and Highlanders — have been contacted and asked to monitor their players and staff but no cases have been reported so far.
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