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PRESS RELEASE – World Rugby has made the difficult decision to recommend the postponement of Rugby World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted in New Zealand between 18 September-16 October, until next year. The recommendation will be considered by the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee on 8 and 9 March respectively.
While appreciating the recommendation is extremely disappointing for teams and fans, it has their interests at heart, and gives the tournament the best opportunity to be all it can be for them, all New Zealanders and the global rugby family.
The recommendation is based on the evolution of the uncertain and challenging global COVID-19 landscape. It has become clear in recent discussions with key partners including New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Government and participating unions, 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 can assure teams, New Zealanders and the global rugby family that the recommendation to postpone the tournament will help to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2021 will be all it can be next year for players, fans and the rugby family – one of the great Rugby World Cups.
Further updates will be issued following the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee meetings next week.
USA RUGBY – USA Rugby understands and supports World Rugby’s decision to recommend postponement of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand. The ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the rapidly changing landscape both in New Zealand and globally creates significant challenges for teams to prepare and compete at the level necessary for a World Cup.
While postponement is understandably disappointing for teams and fans, safety must remain a top priority as does the commitment from tournament organizers to produce an event fitting of rugby’s largest stage.
The Women’s Eagles will continue to prepare at the highest level as we all look to celebrate one of the world’s greatest sporting events next year.
USA Rugby’s Director of Women’s High Performance Emilie Bydwell said:
“It’s been a whirlwind year and I know this is difficult news for our players and staff who have continued to sacrifice to put themselves in a position to perform. We understand the position of World Rugby and tournament organizers and it is our job now to do the next right thing. We must support our players and revise our plans to make sure that we are in an even better position to make Rugby World Cup in 2022 a global spectacle for rugby, as well as an amazing tribute to the power of women’s sport.”
Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand was originally set to take place from September 16 to October 18 of this year. The United States are drawn in Pool B with rivals-Canada, Europe I and Asia I. Additional updates will be announced by World Rugby in due course. For more information, visit rugbyworldcup.com.
