Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

New Zealand Rugby respond to reports of Australian-hosted Rugby Championship

(Photo by Getty Images)

New Zealand Rugby says the concept of Australia staging every match in a rapid-fire Rugby Championship this year is a long way from becoming a reality.

ADVERTISEMENT

NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said a host of options are being considered around what form domestic and international rugby in the Southern Hemisphere could take if it resumes this year.

However, he dismissed as “speculation” a media report that Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina could contest the Rugby Championship in the space of six weeks in the same Australian location.

Video Spacer

One way or another, Australia want New Zealand involved in any competitions this year.

Video Spacer

One way or another, Australia want New Zealand involved in any competitions this year.

The Sydney Morning Herald said the round-robin tournament, hosted by Australia for logistical reasons, was being considered as a means to deliver Test rugby. Perth was touted as a potential host city.

Robinson has said any playing of the Rugby Championship would be a complex process and would need to be co-ordinated with government regulations around health and travel.

“New Zealand Rugby is reviewing a range of competition options, both domestically and internationally, for when rugby is able to resume,” he said in a statement to AAP.

“However nothing has been decided and any decisions will be made in alignment with advice from the Government. At this stage, any competition options are purely speculative.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The Rugby Championship is currently scheduled to start on August 8, when the Wallabies host the All Blacks in Melbourne.

That date is looking increasingly in doubt, along with the July Tests in the southern hemisphere, when Australia are meant to play Ireland twice, and Fiji.

A resumption of Super Rugby, and in what format, is also under a cloud.

Rugby Australia’s general manager of professional services Ben Whitaker said there was collective will at SANZAAR to prioritise Test rugby’s return and that the quickfire event in Australia was one model being looked at.

“As soon as we get the okay from a community perspective to go, we will go,” Whitaker told the Sydney Morning Herald.

ADVERTISEMENT

“If that means going into November or December depending on where we get to with July tests, we will consider that as well. Everyone is ready.”

– AAP

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 43 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

8 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Mick Cleary: 'Borthwick needs to have faith in Marcus Smith' Mick Cleary: 'Borthwick needs to have faith in Marcus Smith'
Search