This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
On August 3, 2020, World Rugby Council made a crucial decision to approve a temporary 2020 COVID-19 calendar, paving the way for international rugby to resume in October.
The Rugby Council adjusted Regulation 9 to accommodate the release of international players for revised 2020 windows, providing a welcome boost for players, teams, fans, and broadcast and commercial partners.
According to World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, the global COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on society and sport, and the council sought to deliver the best possible outcome to support the interests of international and club rugby and the players.
‘The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its impact on society and sport and throughout this process, all parties have sought to deliver the best possible outcome to support the interests of international and club rugby and the players,’ Sir Bill Beaumont said.
World Rugby is also liaising with emerging unions to explore where it can assist with a programme of fixtures where COVID-19 restrictions permit.
