Live updates
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for July 27, bringing you the latest news updated throughout the day. G
2.10pm: Wallabies granted ‘economic’ travel exemption
The Australian rugby team has been granted a travel exemption to enter the country due to “economic reasons”, the government has confirmed.
The Wallabies will travel from their Queensland base on a charter flight to Auckland on Friday. As with all other arrivals, they will require a negative pre-departure test within 72 hours of travel.
In a statement, sport minister Grant Robertson said the trip was economically important for New Zealand.
“A test match is estimated to be worth between $17-20 million in spending for host regions, while the broadcast rights provide much needed income for the sport, which positively effects all levels of the game,” Robertson said.
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