Queensland to host rest of Rugby Championships

The Castle Lager Rugby Championship will go ahead in Queensland, Australia, ending speculation about the future of the tournament.

But it means that the historic 100th test between the Springboks and All Blacks, which was set for Dunedin originally will now take place as a curtain-raiser to the Wallabies-Pumas game in Townsville at the QLD Country Stadium.

While this in itself is disappointing, Sanzaar’s member nations have banded together to ensure the tournament takes place in Australia as originally scheduled, despite Covid outbreaks in both Australia and New Zealand and new restrictive quarantine procedures being put in place.

This means the Boks will need to travel to Australia on a “bubble plane” over the next few days - along with Argentina, with both sides still in South Africa after their recent games.

Both teams will need to fulfill a 14-day quarantine before they will be allowed to play their games, all of which are set as double headers.

The 100th test is now a curtain-raiser to the Australia-Pumas game, and while it is understandable it was scheduled that way given local interest, it is extremely disappointing from an historical point of view. Sanzaar are still to confirm the kick-off times, so there is still a chance this will be changed for the magnitude of the game.

South Africa had offered to host the remainder of the tournament as well, while Europe was also mooted as a possible venue for the double header games.

“Despite these challenges, Sanzaar can today confirm 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,” a Sanzaar statement said.

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 with confirmation of the match date to be announced in the next few days.

“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,” the statement continued.

Sanzaae 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."

“We are very excited about this unique format and rugby experience as we look to deliver a month of “double headers” with the world's best players in Queensland, something never done in international rugby before.”

"On behalf of Sanzaar and the national unions, I would like to sincerely thank the Queensland Government for working with us and providing a travel, accommodation, training and playing environment that will allow us to safely complete the tournament. Sanzaar and the national unions will now work closely with the states' health authorities to ensure all bio-security measures are adhered to."

“I personally want to thank Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, as well as John Lee of the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, and their respective departments for their tireless efforts in supporting this tournament."

"Sanzaar would also like to recognise the tournaments' various commercial partners, our television broadcast rights holders and the fans for their patience and for their flexibility and understanding in this difficult time."

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government had worked quickly with Sanzaar to put in place strict quarantine requirements for the 2021 Rugby Championship matches to go ahead in Queensland.

“The four international rugby double headers to be played in Queensland will take place under non-negotiable Covid-safe conditions for the safety of players and spectators,” Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland’s Chief Health Officer has insisted on stringent bio-security measures for the eight matches to be played in front of spectators at Suncorp Stadium, Cbus on the Gold Coast and Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium."

“Although there’s plenty for rugby fans in Queensland to be excited about, I want to make it clear the cost of relocating and quarantine for the remainder of the 2021 Rugby Championship is at the expense of Sanzaar."

“While the relocation of the 2021 championship is a bonus for rugby-loving Queenslanders, we know this tournament will also be a bitter-sweet experience."

“Many Queensland fans continue to be concerned for the welfare of interstate family and friends in tough, ongoing lockdowns because of the pandemic’s Delta strain," added Hinchliffe.

2021 Rugby Championship Match Schedule *

Round 1

Sat 14 August: New Zealand 57 v Australia 22 [Eden Park, Auckland]

Sat 14 August: South Africa 32 v Argentina 12 [Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha]

Round 2

Sat 21 August: Argentina 29 v South Africa 10 [Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha]

TBC: Australia v New Zealand: Optus Stadium, Perth**

Round 3

Sunday 12 September: New Zealand v Argentina: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Sunday 12 September: South Africa v Australia: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Round 4

Saturday 18 September: Argentina v New Zealand: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Saturday 18 September: Australia v South Africa: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round 5

Sat 25 September: New Zealand v South Africa: QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Sat 25 September: Australia v Argentina: QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Round 6

Sat 2 October: South Africa v New Zealand: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Sat 2 October: Argentina v Australia: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

* All kick-off times and match order to be confirmed

** Also Third Bledisloe Cup match - Date to be confirmed