Rugby Australia has today accepted World Rugby’s recommendation to postpone the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
While unfortunate, the on-going challenges associated with COVID-19 and the rapidly changing landscape makes it difficult to ensure our players’ safety and that of the wider Rugby family.
The decision will be made at a Rugby World Cup Board meeting early next week and if accepted, the tournament will take place in 2022 in New Zealand, ensuring the tournament is still played in the southern hemisphere.
Rugby Australia remains committed to the domestic Buildcorp Super W season and is now exploring options to ensure that the Wallaroo’s have a full program including international matches in 2021.
This kicks off next week, when the squad assembles in Canberra for their first training camp of the year. Rugby Australia’s General Manager of Women’s Rugby, Jilly Collins, said: “It’s disappointing news for both our team and the wider Rugby community.
“Ultimately, safety must be the number one priority. Furthermore, a tournament needs to be delivered that is fitting of the pinnacle event in the Women’s Rugby XVs calendar with all teams as best prepared as possible.
“We will regroup as a team at our training camp next week and our priority now is to work out our revised Test schedule for 2021.
“It goes without saying that the Wallaroos cannot wait to pull on the Gold jersey as soon as possible,” Collins said.
