World Rugby postpones July Tests

World Rugby has bowed to the inevitable and “postponed indefinitely” the entire July Test window that included Scotland’s Tests against the world champion Springboks in South Africa and their first in New Zealand for 20 years, writes Steve Scott.

The international game’s governing body was expected to take such a step in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, with international travel now restricted and quarantine conditions varying.

A statement issued yesterday by World Rugby said the entire programme of internationals within the July window “has been postponed due to ongoing government and health agency Covid-19 directives”

“Travel and quarantine conditions in numerous countries, and concerns over adequate player preparation time, mean that any sort of cross-border international rugby competition cannot be hosted in July,” it added.

“Monitoring of the potential impact on the remaining 2020 international windows continues in collaboration with international rugby stakeholders and the respective authorities.

“All parties, including member unions, international competitions, professional club competition and (players’ association) International Rugby Players will be involved in the evaluation of potential contingency options with a view to achieving an aligned calendar for the remainder of the year.”

That indicates that World Rugby still hope to play some July Tests in the international window in November, although they go on to stress “all decision-making will be entirely contingent of national government travel, quarantine and health advice and important player welfare considerations.”

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: “As a team we were generating some positive momentum in the Six Nations and we were all looking forward to the exciting challenge of playing the world champions, and the All Blacks, on their home soil this summer.

“As a tour it would have provided an excellent learning experience, but we fully understand the reasons why it can’t go ahead.”

Gregor Townsend: Tour would have been ‘learning experience’.