The Rugby Championship is reportedly set to be relocated to Europe.
TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia and Sanzaar are searching for solutions to holding the tournament as New Zealand and Australia's Covid situation worsens.
The third Bledisloe Cup test, which doubles as a Rugby Championship game, was set for Perth on August 28.
However, with Aotearoa now in alert level four lockdown, anyone travelling from New Zealand to Western Australia must now self isolate for 14-days.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the two week quarantine restriction would be a requirement for all three of the visiting teams, making the test untenable, as well as holding other Rugby Championship matches in Perth.
The UK's Daily Telegraph reports Sanzaar is seriously considering moving the entire tournament to Europe, with games to be played in France (Paris), England (Twickenham), Ireland (Dublin) and Wales (Cardiff).
Fans would be expected at those games due to current local Covid rules. However, an exemption would be required from the UK Government for the games in England and Wales to be hosted there.
"The RFU is always open to discussion regarding the global calendar and we are aware of the challenges facing The Rugby Championship at the moment, much further consultation is required around player welfare and potential organisational and commercial impacts for all Unions therefore it is too early to speculate on any developments," a spokesperson from England's RFU tells Daily Telegraph.
The All Blacks are scheduled to leave Auckland for Perth on Sunday ahead of next weekend's third Bledisloe Cup test. They are then set to stay on in Australia for two games against Argentina, with the location of their two final games against South Africa, originally scheduled for Dunedin and Auckland, yet to be determined. However, it's unlikely they'll be held here, with Australia the probable option before the latest Covid restrictions threw a spanner in the works.
Newshub reports that shifting moving the Rugby Championship to Queensland and creating team bubbles is another potential option. However Sanzaar would still need exemption from the Queensland Government for South Africa and Argentina to cross the border from Sydney and the All Blacks would need to quarantine for 14 days.
The Pumas coach Maria Ledesma said they're keen to play, no matter where in the world the tournament is held.
"There is uncertainty," said Ledesma. "If we have to go to Europe or stay in South Africa, we'll stay here. If we have to move, we'll move. No problems."
The Wallabies back Samu Kerevi, who has rejoined the squad after playing Sevens at the Tokyo Olympics, said the players are taking it day by day, whilst preparing for all eventualities.
"The management is definitely getting across all that and we'll get that information when it's ready. But, right now we're just full speed ahead concentrating on our test next week (third Bledisloe Cup game). Whatever may happen, the Wallabies staff will let us know. But, for right now our main focus is the All Blacks next week."
