The Upper Clutha Rams rugby side will have a late start to the season after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) decided to postpone all club and community rugby.

The season was due to kick off on Saturday 28 March and will now commence on Saturday 18 April.

In a statement New Zealand Rugby said non-contact training activities can continue while they monitor the situation with the Ministry of Health.

"We're very disappointed but there's a much bigger picture and we have to follow the directives from the official channels," said Upper Clutha Rugby Club president Richard Pledger.

The directive does not affect school rugby which is due to kick off in May.

What you need to know:

• All rugby matches are postponed until Saturday, 18 April
• At this stage, full-contact training can resume from Monday, 13 April
• Non-contact training activities can continue with sensible hygiene protocols observed
• Use personal water bottles – don’t share with others
• Ensure rugby equipment is regularly cleaned
• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell
• Regularly wash hands
• School and junior club rugby commence after 18 April so are not included in this postponement
• Follow the Ministry of Health guidelines