July Tests off, FRU awaits World Rugby

Australia’s July Test matches against Ireland and Fiji have been officially postponed by World Rugby.

A game against the All Blacks XV at BC Place, Vancouver, Canada, is also in doubt due to health issues and travel restrictions brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wallabies were scheduled to play two Tests against Ireland and one Test against Fiji starting on July 4, but that will no longer be the case.

Like all other countries, the Fiji Rugby Union will restrategise on plans for future schedules.

A game against the All Blacks XV would have prepared the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians for the November tour in Europe where they face Wales and the France Barbarians.

But the FRU will have to wait for financial assistance from World Rugby to get the ball rolling.

This was after World Rugby agreed to allocate an initial £26.5 million (FJ$72,) relief package to unions in greatest immediate need of support following a detailed independent evaluation and subsequent approval of union applications by the World Rugby executive committee.

This initial allocation is to both established and emerging nations in line with the global £75 million COVID-19 relief strategy previously announced to assist unions through to the eventual resumption of the sport.

Boost for Rugby Australia

Meanwhile, Rugby Australia have finally had a boost following months of financial turmoil, World Rugby providing them with $14.2million AUD from the game’s global governing body Covid-19 relief fund.

Rob Clarke, Rugby Australia’s interim CEO, said: “Our game has suffered an enormous impact globally from Covid-19 and we are very grateful for the support of World Rugby and commend them on their leadership in managing this issue for the global game.”

“The financial implications of the virus have been significant for Rugby Australia and this emergency relief funding will provide us with certainty for the next twelve months and enable us to close off our 2019 accounts.