Commercial factors played part – Govt

Sports Minister Grant Robertson says ‘‘commercial elements’’ were significant in Australia pinching Rugby Championship hosting rights, but the players’ rep insists more flexible quarantine regulations were the clincher.

Governing body Sanzaar confirmed yesterday that Australia would host the four-nation tournament featuring the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks and Pumas, from November 7 until December 12.

NZ Rugby, which was approved as host by Sanzaar in July, will instead host the Wallabies for two Bledisloe Cup tests beforehand. Dates and venues are yet to be confirmed, but Auckland and Wellington on October 17 and 24 loom as most likely – meaning an unprecedented All Blacks test in New Zealand on election day.

Robertson said the quarantine plan where the three visiting teams would have been based in Queenstown was ‘‘a very attractive set of arrangements’’.

‘‘It’s obviously disappointing,’’ Robertson told Stuff.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern referred to ‘‘Sanzaar politics’’ when discussing the issue earlier yesterday. Said Robertson: ‘‘That’s her phrasing but what I’d say she’s referring to is, these decisions always come with a commercial element, and this one did as well.’’

NZ Rugby Players’ Association boss Rob Nichol said Australia’s more relaxed quarantine rules had swung it.

‘‘It’s not just playing a one-off game, it’s six games in five weeks. That’s just not palatable to an international team. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s quarantine rules, as relates to these sports teams, just meant it wasn’t going to be possible’’.