This year’s Rugby World Cup for women in New Zealand is set to be pushed back to next year due to uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby World Cup said Tuesday .
“Rugby World has come to the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 Rugby World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in New Zealand from 18 September-16 October, until next year,” Rugby World Cup said the recitation.
“The proposal will be considered by the Rugby World Cup Board and the Rugby World Executive Committee on March 8 and 9 respectively.”
– Play ESPN Rugby Pick’em FREE
Last month, the tournament was postponed for April with games expected over four weekends in the form of a new playoff style.
The tournament is the first women’s Rugby World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere, and is expected to take place in New Zealand, England, Canada, France, Australia, the United States. , Wales, South Africa, Fiji and three certifications.
The guests hope to break the record for attending the women’s Rugby World Cup, with Eden Park with a capacity of 44,000 in Auckland set to hold the opening, semifinal and final match.
“Rugby World can reassure teams, New Zealand and the global rugby family that the proposal to postpone the tournament will help ensure that the 2021 Rugby World Cup is as much as it can be next year for players, players and players. and the rugby family – one of the great Rugby World Cups, “said Rugby World Cup.
Irish Rugby women’s rugby director Anthony Eddy said it was a terrible blow for his team, who were set to play in a qualifying tournament in the coming weeks.
“We are definitely disappointed,” said Eddy. “We want to play rugby. The Rugby World Cup deserves every opportunity to offer the best of our sport and that is not possible in a COVID-19 environment.”
With 5 million people, New Zealand has recorded just over 2,000 diseases since the outbreak began, with 26 deaths.
New cases of coronavirus have surfaced in the country recently, however, with Auckland entering a lockout for the second time in a month last weekend.
“We are naturally disappointed but understand the decision,” said Nicky Ponsford, head of women’s performance at the English Rugby Football Union.
“The well-being of a player must be a priority and ensuring that teams are both deserving of the pitch and can perform at the best level in the tournament is also crucial for the game. “
New Zealand are the current keepers, having beaten England 41-32 in the final in Belfast in 2017.