World Rugby To Postpone 2021 World Cup
World Rugby has recommended that the Rugby World Cup 2021 has been postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The women’s competition, which was originally scheduled to take place in New Zealand in September and October 2021, is now set to take place in 2022 due to ‘COVID-19-related uncertainties’.
The governing body says the recommendation to postpone will be put to the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee, which will meet on 8th and 9th March, and are set to issue further updates on the move.
The tournament was meant to run from 18 September to 16 October but the governing body says that uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions and quarantine means the event should be delayed.
World Rugby said: “While appreciating the recommendation is extremely disappointing for teams and fans, it has their interests at heart, and gives the tournament the best opportunity to be all it can be for them, all New Zealanders and the global rugby family.
“The recommendation is based on the evolution of the uncertain and challenging global COVID-19 landscape. It has become clear in recent discussions with key partners including New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Government and participating unions, that, given the scale of the event and the COVID-19-related uncertainties, it is just not possible to deliver the environment for all teams to be the best that they can be on the sport’s greatest stage.
“The challenges include uncertainty and the ability for teams to prepare adequately for a Rugby World Cup tournament both before and on arrival in New Zealand, and challenging global travel restrictions.”
