Super Rugby smoke threshold hovers over round-one clash

SANZAAR, Super Rugby's governing body, announced it had introduced air quality guidelines this year, prompted by the haze in Canberra and developed as a world first in rugby union.

But the announcement lacked details about an air quality index threshold, which would trigger cancellation of the ACT Brumbies' clash against the Queensland Reds.

Super Rugby officials declined to release the 24-page document when contacted by The Canberra Times, saying the changing nature of smoke and weather made air quality assessment complicated.

Other sports, however, have used an air quality index of 200 as the trigger to postpone or cancel matches, including tennis at the Australian Open and baseball.

It is believed the rugby figures, which were developed in conjunction with World Rugby and the AIS, are similar to the 200 threshold.

The air quality in Canberra hit 168 on Wednesday afternoon as smoke from the Orroral Valley fire rolled over the city.

It's understood an appointed match-day panel will review particulate matter ratings, the air-quality index and weather conditions to compare them against different bands detailed in the Super Rugby guidelines.

Staff from both teams and Super Rugby officials will make a decision about whether the game is cancelled or delayed.

If the match is abandoned before kick-off or before half-time, the result will be deemed a draw. If the second half has started, the team leading will be the winner and the result will stand as is.

Canberra's air quality had improved in recent weeks, but smoke has returned after the Orroral Valley fire started on Monday.

The Brumbies and Rugby Australia had investigated shifting venues, possibly to Brisbane, but it was decided to go ahead with the scheduled 7.15pm kick-off in Canberra.

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Tennis Australia developed a policy for the Australian Open. The tennis policy when the PM2.5 concentrate is less than 97, play will proceed. A reading of 97-200 triggers discussions, and play stops when exceeding 200.

Cricket, tennis, basketball, baseball and soccer have all cancelled major events in Canberra in the past month. The Brumbies will also contend with the January heat before kick-off, with the temperature forecast to reach 41 on Friday.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "That's for SANZAAR and people above me to worry about. Player welfare is always at the forefront of our minds."

Super Rugby boss Andy Marinos added: "It has been an extraordinary summer in Australia to date and we deeply sympathise with all those individuals and communities who have been impacted by the bush fires.

"Naturally, the continued welfare of our players and indeed spectators is a priority for us should such incidents continue to affect the Australian landscape. It is therefore prudent of us to put in place these guidelines with our stakeholders."