The Rugby Championship (TRC) will be hosted in Australia from November 7 to December 12, the South African New Zealand Australian and Argentina (Sanzaar) rugby body announced on Friday.
All four member bodies of Sanzaar will compete in the TRC, as the tournament has been moved from its traditional August-September window due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On South Africa’s participation, Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos said: “The progress and impact of the pandemic have varied from country-to-country and international sporting competition is currently suspended in South Africa,” he said.
“The Springboks’ participation will be dependent on the relaxation of that suspension as well as overcoming a number of other logistical challenges including the opening of international air borders. South Africa is only expected to return to competitive play next month [October], leaving a relatively short time to prepare.
“Traditionally TRC is played as an international, cross-border series of home and away matches between Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa but due to the pandemic this is obviously not possible this year.”
It was not revealed if spectators would be allowed to attend the matches, with venues still to be confirmed
“Sanzaar is now currently working through the refinement of the detailed planning with Rugby Australia and we hope to announce match venues, match dates and kick-off times in the very near future.”
“The TRC is one of international rugby’s biggest and prestigious tournaments and it is great to at last provide some clarity for rugby fans and the players.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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