Australia to replace New Zealand as host of 2020 Rugby Championship tournament

Australia will host this year's Rugby Championship in November and December, with matches will be primarily played in NSW with a round in Queensland.

New Zealand was originally SANZAAR’s preferred host for the tournament but difficulties negotiating access to the country for players proved too big a hurdle to overcome.

Explaining the decision, SANZAAR Chief Executive, Andy Marinos advised “SANZAAR was meticulous in assessing the two options for hosting presented to it by New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia.

“SANZAAR ultimately determined that based on government-required quarantine protocols (for entry and training prior to the tournament) and commercial underwriting, the Rugby Australia submission was the most desirable and workable in terms of tournament logistics for the essential pre-tournament preparation period and the six-week tournament itself.”

The tournament is scheduled set to comprise 12 round-robin matches, played as six double-headers, between Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa. It will also include two of four planned Bledisloe Cup Tests between the Wallabies and All Blacks

To be played across six weeks between 7th November and 12th December, the Springboks’ participation is yet to be confirmed as a result of international sporting competition currently being suspended in South Africa.

Marinos added “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, leaving a relatively short time to prepare."

While Australia and New Zealand's players have both benefited from playing domestic Super Rugby matches in recent months, there has been no rugby played in South Africa or Argentina since the pandemic hit.

The pandemic may yet halt the participation of Argentina, whose campaign will be contingent on the COVID status of a number of their players.

Rugby Australia has today welcomed SANZAAR’s decision for Australia to be the preferred host for November’s Rugby Championship.

Welcoming SANZAAR’S decision, Rugby Australia interim Chief Executive Rob Clarke stated “(I) want to thank our Government partners, particularly the NSW Government who have backed us to secure the tournament and they will be delighted to hear of SANZAAR’s support. We will now knuckle down to make these plans a reality.”

Rugby Australia will now continue its discussions with its government partners to ensure Australia hosts a safe and successful tournament.

Reports suggest 10 of the matches will be played in NSW, with one double-header to be played in Brisbane.

New Zealand rugby fans will still get the chance to see the All Blacks play at home this year, with the Wallabies to travel to New Zealand to play two Bledisloe Cup matches in October before the All Blacks head to Australia for the Rugby Championship.

Image: Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read.