Due to the pandemic the match schedule has been altered recently due to travel difficulties and strict quarantine regulations that exist across the various territories in which the tournament is played. There may be further schedule disruptions but SANZAAR will keep rugby fans up-to-date with any such changes via the official website.
Revised match schedule and kick-off times confirmed
SANZAAR has confirmed that eight matches of the tournament will now be staged in Queensland after SANZAAR and the national unions were able to agree to suitable travel, accommodation and quarantine arrangements as regulated by the Queensland state government.
The outstanding second-round match, Australia versus New Zealand, that was due to be played in Perth on Saturday 28 August will be played in the city at Optus Stadium on Sunday 5 September with kick-off 14:00 local time.
Unfortunately, this means there will be no matches played in New South Wales (Sydney and Newcastle), Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) or New Zealand (Auckland and Dunedin) as previously scheduled.
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris stated, "We thought last year was tough when we had to implement a Tri-nations tournament in Australia with South Africa absent due to the pandemic, but the current disruption caused by the 'delta variant' of COVID-19 has seen government authorities tighten up border bio-security measures substantially.
"This is totally understandable but after exploring several options, including moving the tournament to South Africa and even Europe, we now look forward with excitement to the remainder of The Rugby Championship in Queensland. Indeed, I am delighted on behalf of the SANZAAR stakeholders that we can now complete this world-class rugby tournament."
"This is an exciting announcement as it confirms a first for international rugby with a series of four double-header weekends of top quality rugby action."
"It is a unique opportunity for Queensland rugby fans and indeed the global broadcast audience to watch the best players and teams go head-to-head in consecutive matches at the same venue on the same day, across the four weekends."
"Our thanks go to our rights-holding host broadcasters - Nine and Stan Sport, Sky NZ, SuperSport and ESPN - for their flexibility and assistance in delivering this match schedule which is an exciting innovation for rugby broadcasts in the southern hemisphere," added Morris.
- Information copied from the latest Super Rugby email newsletter