The Fijiana XVs may have to wait another year to make their Rugby World Cup debut in light of a recommendation World Rugby put forward to postpone this year’s tournament.
In a statement today, World Rugby recommended the postponement of Rugby World Cup 2021 to next year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tournament is scheduled for 18 September-16 October in New Zealand this year.
World Rugby said discussions with key stakeholders including New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Government indications are “that given the scale of the event and the COVID-19 related uncertainties, it is just not possible to deliver the environment for all teams to be the best that they can be on the sport’s greatest stage.”
“The challenges include uncertainty and the ability for teams to prepare adequately for a Rugby World Cup tournament both before and on arrival in New Zealand, and challenging global travel restrictions,” World Rugby said in a statement today.
RWC Board and the World Rugby executive committee will be meeting on 8 and 9 March respectively to consider the recommendation.
Photo: Fiji Rugby