Australian (UK) Rugby chairman Hamish McLennan continues to push the country’s credibility of holding events in the wake of a pandemic coronavirus outbreak, raising hopes that the British and All Lions’ tour Ireland on South Africa ‘s opposition to Down Under.
Having already unveiled the World Cup in Australia, MacLennan says the UK would be ready and willing to step in to host this year’s biggest rugby event, as South Africa, the The United Kingdom and Ireland are all still ravaged by COVID-19.
However, in Australia, there are cases of near zero community dispersal.
“Of course, we are open to anyone,” McLennan told ESPN when asked if the UK was ready to be a rugby Test freighter in 2021.
“Member unions around the world are very jealous of what is happening [2020 Tri Nations] we were able to pull it off. And for most top rugby nations, their top players will not play test rugby for a year or two, which is a diabolical situation.
“We got players on the field and did what anyone else expected we could do, and I think we’ll use that as a template going forward … we’ll just get it. “
While the Springboks-Lions series that are changing to Australia may still be a real breakthrough – South Africa has not offered to host the series, and reports have surfaced. also that it could be questioned across the UK but in the absence of population – – the desire to push the tour to 2022 is low as it eats in preparation for the next World Cup year.
England coach Eddie Jones and captains of all four Home Unions have already shown their laziness at the 2022 Lions tour.
Australia also boasts a large expat community from South Africa, Ireland and the rest of the UK, suggesting high attendance at the Trials; Wallabies fans would seem to grab tickets to an event that is always special.
“A multi-generational ex-pat community for both South Africa and the UK is out here,” McLennan told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’m confident there would be a lot of support for the Tests. Remember, these are some of the biggest communities we have in Australia. I’m sure we’ll get a really good turnaround.”
MacLennan said the financial situation would be divided fairly between South Africa and the Lions if the series were played in Australia, with the UK likely to bank just a few, if any, profits.
The Springboks will be desperate to make the tour to some extent, without playing Test rugby in 2020, and the Six Nations had to postpone the final round before finishing it. in November after the Autumn Cup underage had major problems with COVID -19 infections.
“Ultimately it’s their calling,” McLennan told the Herald.
“What we learned from the Three Nations last year and the tennis that is happening now is that Australia can host global competitions in the COVID world.
“It’s particularly difficult in the UK and South Africa right now and I believe that the more international rugby played here, the better.
“We’re here to help.”
Meanwhile, MacLennan confirmed to ESPN that the planned over-Tasman tournament for 2022 was the desired outcome for both UK and New Zealand Rugby.
Profitability late last year suggested the imminent launch of a 12-team tournament, just without an official announcement to follow.
“Yeah, I think there’s a real desire to move that, but we have so much to do, just keep the game afloat. [in Australia] over the past six to eight months, “McLennan said.” And we’re desperately working towards this year ‘s launch.
“But we have meetings planned and we’re always in touch with New Zealand, so it’s all good. “
The Australian and New Zealand sides will compete in a five-week “crossover” series once Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa are over.