Super Rugby has created safety guidelines around air quality as bushfires burn near Canberra just two days before the Brumbies kick off their season.
Officials will monitor the air quality index and real-time measurement of particular matter at Canberra Stadium on Friday when temperatures are forecast to hit 41 degrees.
The Brumbies moved their preseason to Newcastle for 10 days earlier this month after bushfire smoke blanketed the national capital and made training unsafe.
There are currently out-of-control bushfires burning in the ACT’s Namadgi National Park and within just five kilometres of residents.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar wants his side to give Canberrans something to cheer about.
“We’re a massive part of the community and we’re really feeling for people right now,” he said.
“It’s pretty close to home at the moment – (brothers and squad members) the Lonergans are in that area and we’ve got some staff down that way as well.
“Sport provides enjoyment and that’s what we want to do on Friday night and make sure the ACT community has something to smile about.
“It will be dry, it will be warm. There will be little voice on their shoulder telling them how tired they are and it will be the group of players who can ignore that and push through that will come out the other side.”
Big Bash League, W-League and WNBL matches have all been abandoned in Canberra this summer due to bushfire smoke.
SANZAR boss Andy Marinos said it had been an “extraordinary summer in Australia” and emphasised player safety is the priority.
“The continued welfare of our players and indeed spectators is a priority for us should such incidents continue to affect the Australian landscape,” he said.
Brumbies prop Scott Sio backed his men to overcome the oppressive heat the same way they combat freezing conditions in Canberra’s winter.
“My first two years here we went to Cairns and Darwin, you had the heat and the humidity up there and I don’t have fond memories of those trial matches but it prepares you mentally for what’s in store,” Sio said.
“At some point it’s going to be two degrees here as well so we’re going to have to deal with the cold. It’s just about adapting.”