Due to the ongoing and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oceania Rugby Men’s and Women’s Sevens Championship – scheduled to take place in November 2020 – have been cancelled.
This decision has been made in consultation with relevant government and international public health authority for the wellbeing of the regional rugby community and the wider public, as a top priority.
Oceania Rugby General Manager, Bruce Cook, said the difficult, yet appropriate decision had to be made, although it is quite unfortunate under the present circumstances for the region.
“The Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship is the only competition that brings all Oceania Member Unions into one location from the World’s best team in the circuit, to the development unions which is truly unique,” Cook said.
“Whilst disappointed with the cancellation, we continue to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the health and wellbeing of players, officials and public in the Oceania region is prioritised above all,” Cook added.
Oceania Rugby is currently in consultation with World Rugby to explore separate supplementary competition at regional levels in addition to Series events to ensure Olympic Qualified teams and teams seeking qualification through the Olympic repechage series, will have appropriate amount of high-level competition opportunities.
Oceania Rugby Competitions Manager, Wayne Schuster, said; “There is strong desire within the region for supplementary competition concept, and Oceania Rugby – in collaboration with Member Unions – are putting all their efforts together to assist World Rugby explore opportunities for a safe and secure high impact return to action in Oceania.”
Words from Oceania Rugby