The Women's Rugby World Cup that was scheduled to be hosted in New Zealand in September has been postponed until 2022 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Uncertainty over travel restrictions and quarantine requirements have forced World Rugby to delay the event.The tournament was meant to run from 18 September to 16 October.
With Auckland recently going back into lockdown and concerns over playing welfare growing, the decision was made to postpone.
© GettyThe Wallaroos in actions against New Zealand.
"It has become clear in recent discussions with key partners including New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Government and participating unions, that, given the scale of the event and the Covid-19-related uncertainties, it is just not possible to deliver the environment for all teams to be the best that they can be on the sport's greatest stage," a World Cup statement read.
There were growing concerns about the impact of quarantine on players and the ability for teams to prepare amid the changing situation.
The revised plan is for New Zealand to host the tournament at a similar time next year.
The Rugby World Cup board and World Rugby's executive committee will meet next week and are expected to provide further updates.