NPR

While the bulk of the Rugby Championship was set to be played in Australia this year due to the ongoing impact of the global pandemic, RugbyPass understands that the competition is potentially set for a surprise relocation on the back of a Covid outbreak in New Zealand.

Sources have confirmed to RugbyPass that Sanzaar are weighing up shifting the Rugby Championship to Europe for the remainder of the competition, following the Springboks’ match with Argentina this weekend.

Four double-headers are tentatively being planned for Paris, London, Dublin and Cardiff.

Kawazaki wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 8:54 am There's still more lurgy up here than down there.

Ymx wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 8:45 am https://www.rugbypass.com/news/rugby-ch ... -outbreak/

Yes please

While the bulk of the Rugby Championship was set to be played in Australia this year due to the ongoing impact of the global pandemic, RugbyPass understands that the competition is potentially set for a surprise relocation on the back of a Covid outbreak in New Zealand.

Sources have confirmed to RugbyPass that Sanzaar are weighing up shifting the Rugby Championship to Europe for the remainder of the competition, following the Springboks’ match with Argentina this weekend.

Four double-headers are tentatively being planned for Paris, London, Dublin and Cardiff.

Biffer wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:50 am Robinson doesn't really understand what the meaning of 'unilateral decision' is, does he?

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:51 am

Biffer wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:50 am Robinson doesn't really understand what the meaning of 'unilateral decision' is, does he?

From the other thread...

NZ's view of events...

The Herald understands NZ Rugby gave Rugby Australia a 2pm Friday deadline to confirm whether Queensland will host the Rugby Championship. When that assurance did not arrive, NZ Rugby delayed the team's departure.

Robinson outlined his version of events, suggesting all parties were kept well abreast of NZ Rugby's position.

"We don't accept this has been a unilateral decision," Robinson said. "We have been communicating right through the week with Sanzaar and Rugby Australia and made it very clear to them the risks and concerns we had.

"We understand the emotion coming out of there but are really comfortable with the rationale that we've put in behind the decision and comfortable we're standing behind our people.

"We can understand the frustration and disappointment from Rugby Australia about the fact we are unable to travel tomorrow night. We have a huge amount of sympathy for them and the impact this has on the match in Perth for next weekend.

"We are absolutely committed to playing that game at some stage and we'll work as hard as we possibly can to make that happen with them.

"Getting into a whole lot of speculation around who said what when doesn't really matter at the moment. It doesn't help anything; doesn't help us go forward. We're focused on trying to find a solution to what balances our need to look after our people with our commitment to wanting to make this tournament go ahead."

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby- ... 27KE4ESFY/

SA Rugby ready to host Rugby Championship, says CEO Jurie Roux
By Staff Reporter Time of article published 1h ago


SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux has stated South Africa are ready to host the remainder of the Rugby Championship as they “just need the go-ahead” from the national government and SANZAAR.

This situation has arisen following New Zealand Rugby (NZR) unilateral announcement that the two home Rugby Championship Tests against Springboks will not be played in New Zealand, and that the All Blacks would not be flying to Perth this weekend for the third Bledisloe Cup Test which was scheduled to be played at Optus Stadium on 28 August.

The NZR’s decision was based upon the tightening of regulations placed on travel and quarantine by various state and national governments in Australasia.

SANZAAR said it was “currently working night and day with all stakeholders, and the tournaments’ associated commercial partners and rights-holding broadcasters, to find a suitable solution for the remaining matches.”

It is considering a range of options – including the hosting of the event in South Africa – and would make an announcement once all logistical, commercial, and broadcasting considerations had been taken into account.

MORE ON THIS
Wallabies are ’bloody angry’ after All Blacks Bledisloe pull-out
New Zealand cancel Rugby Championship home Tests against Springboks
Springboks vs All Blacks in London a possibility
“We have advised SANZAAR that we are ready and able to host the remainder of the competition in South Africa, pending our Government’s approval,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.

ALSO READ: Wallabies are ’bloody angry’ after All Blacks Bledisloe pull-out

“But we are now well-versed in turning on rugby Tests within the prevailing COVID restrictions and have the venues and accommodation necessary. We just need the go-ahead.”

The Springboks and Pumas were scheduled to fly to Australia on Sunday night but that flight has been put on hold until a new schedule for the tournament is confirmed.

Saturday’s Rugby Championship match between the Boks and Pumas at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is unaffected and will go ahead as scheduled. Kick-off is 5:05pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 11:50 am Playing in SA is better than nothing.. just.... because without crowds as we saw in the Lions series, lack of atmosphere makes everything very flat...

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 11:50 am Playing in SA is better than nothing.. just.... because without crowds as we saw in the Lions series, lack of atmosphere makes everything very flat...

sorCrer wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:06 pm

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 11:50 am Playing in SA is better than nothing.. just.... because without crowds as we saw in the Lions series, lack of atmosphere makes everything very flat...

No thanks.

Marylandolorian wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:51 pm Here it looks like some NFL clubs will ask for a proof of covid vax to be able to come to the stadium, France is going to do the same. What about you guys in the UK?

Marylandolorian wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:51 pm Here it looks like some NFL clubs will ask for a proof of covid vax to be able to come to the stadium, France is going to do the same. What about you guys in the UK?

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:53 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:51 pm Here it looks like some NFL clubs will ask for a proof of covid vax to be able to come to the stadium, France is going to do the same. What about you guys in the UK?

They were talking about it... but such an uproar I don't think it will happen... unless Covid becomes an issue in hospitals again...

Ymx wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:04 am

Kawazaki wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 8:54 am There's still more lurgy up here than down there.

Yeah, but it’s not in lockdown, can have crowds, etc.

Only thing is not sure if all the athletes and staff are vaccinated? Given their age group, unless explicit exemptions have been made for internationally competing athletes.

SaintK wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:14 pm

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:53 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:51 pm Here it looks like some NFL clubs will ask for a proof of covid vax to be able to come to the stadium, France is going to do the same. What about you guys in the UK?

They were talking about it... but such an uproar I don't think it will happen... unless Covid becomes an issue in hospitals again...

I've just purchased my club's allocation of tickets for the Autumn Internationals. There was a warning on the purchase site that although not in place currently that it may happen!

Marylandolorian wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:51 pm Here it looks like some NFL clubs will ask for a proof of covid vax to be able to come to the stadium, France is going to do the same. What about you guys in the UK?

Paddington Bear wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 3:14 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:51 pm Here it looks like some NFL clubs will ask for a proof of covid vax to be able to come to the stadium, France is going to do the same. What about you guys in the UK?

Vaccine take up has been very good - not sure whether it's really necessary.

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 3:07 pm

SaintK wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:14 pm

Grandpa wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:53 pm

They were talking about it... but such an uproar I don't think it will happen... unless Covid becomes an issue in hospitals again...

I've just purchased my club's allocation of tickets for the Autumn Internationals. There was a warning on the purchase site that although not in place currently that it may happen!

I still haven't received any official proof that I had the jabs back in March... so you can imagine the delays getting NHS proofs to everyone... if they do decide on enforcing it...

After New Zealand Rugby controversially opted out of flying the All Blacks to Perth this week, a solution appears to have been found, with the All Blacks set to leave New Zealand next week. Liam Napier reports.

The All Blacks are likely to board a plane to Perth next week for the third, rescheduled Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies on September 4.

The difference between next week and last, when New Zealand Rugby sparked an outcry by pulling pin on the All Blacks travelling for the scheduled August 28 Bledisloe test in Perth, is the Rugby Championship destination is expected to be finalised by Tuesday or Wednesday.

The continued uncertainty surrounding whether Europe, Queensland or South Africa will host the four-nation tournament is the rationale NZ Rugby cited for not sending the All Blacks last Saturday.

Provided health protocols remain the same, allowing the All Blacks to travel to Perth, stay in a controlled bubble and play seven days later, and Rugby Australia can negotiate with AFL to secure Optus Stadium on September 4, the final sold-out Bledisloe is expected to be staged then.

The Herald understands it was confirmed at a Sanzaar board meeting on Monday night that the final test in the Bledisloe Cup, already secured for a 19th straight year following the All Blacks' back-to-back wins at Eden Park, will be played at Opta Stadium in Perth on September 4. The test doubles as the All Blacks' second clash in the Rugby Championship.
The All Blacks will then depart for Queensland for the rest of the Rugby Championship after the state government agreed to have the travelling South African and Argentinian teams quarantine there.
Late last week, NZ Rugby cited the continued uncertainty surrounding whether Europe, Queensland or South Africa would host the four-nation tournament as the rationale for not sending the All Blacks over the weekend.