The Black Ferns may have to wait until 2022 to defend their title after World Rugby strongly suggested the Women’s World Cup be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Key points:
- World Rugby says the challenges include “uncertainty and the ability for teams to prepare adequately” if the World Cup goes ahead this year
- Australia and New Zealand were due to play the opening match on September 18
- This would be the second major women’s sporting event in New Zealand to be postponed due to COVID-19
New Zealand is scheduled to host the event between September 18 and October 16, however, the date will be reconsidered by the Rugby World Cup board and World Rugby executive committee next week.
Twelve teams are set to participate with all matches to be played in Auckland or Whangarei.
Australia were scheduled to face the Black Ferns, who took out the 2017 World Cup in Ireland, in the opening match on September 18.
World Rugby expressed its regret to call for a postponement.
“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,” World Rugby said.
“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.
“World Rugby can assure teams, New Zealanders and the global rugby family that the recommendation to postpone the tournament will help to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2021 will be all it can be next year for players, fans and the rugby family — one of the great Rugby World Cups.”
If postponed, the Rugby World Cup would be the second major women’s sporting event in New Zealand to be pushed back as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
In August last year, the Women’s Cricket World Cup was moved from 2021 to 2022.
