New Zealand Rugby has expressed its disappointment over the possibility of All Blacks players having to this year choose between playing in the Rugby Championship, and spending Christmas with their families. And the blame, says New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson, lies with Sanzaar and the recently released championship’s draw.
The issue purportedly lies with the Australian-based tournament having scheduled the All Blacks to play their last game of the tournament against the Wallabies on December 12. What this means for the New Zealand side, is that failing a special exemption granted by the Kiwi government, neither players nor members of staff will have completed their managed mandatory separation period in time for a pre-Christmas Day homecoming. In such an event, the All Blacks will only be able to re-join their families and friends on December 27.
A fuming Robinson explained his frustration with the situation as being the result of the ongoing understanding having been one of the All Blacks competing in their final test of the tournament on December 5 – which would have allowed players and staff the necessary time to get home, spend the mandatory 14 days separated from everyone else, and join their families for Christmas. Though Robinson said he understood the schedule’s “commercial considerations”, this should not have outranked the personal and mental wellbeing of the people involved.
New Zealand Rugby never agreed to the schedule in its current format, stressed Robinson. The organisation now intends to work through the scheduling issues with Sanzaar and with Rugby Australia as Robinson said NZ Rugby believes that there are alternative available solutions.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.9/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Trent Wilson
Trent Wilson is OnlineBetting.nz’s resident sports news expert. He draws on his extensive sporting knowledge, his qualification in sports management and his passion for betting to provide the latest, most up to date information on sporting events in New Zealand and across the globe. Trent is a veritable treasure trove of sports information and has been betting online for several years. He prides himself in keeping his readers informed, and in always offering an unbiased standpoint that reflects exactly what’s going on in the sports world.
View Posts - Visit WebsiteYou May Also Like:
Springboks Say They Will Tour To Play Lions
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has expressed a willingness to see the Springboks’ upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions being played away. Erasmus said on Monday that playing away was preferred over cancellation of the series, and that the Springboks would go all the way to “option ….
The Crusaders Recruit McKay and Ranger
Ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, the Crusaders have signed up Josh McKay and Rene Ranger, formerly of the Highlanders and the Blues, respectively. Both have been brought in due to Crusaders’ players’ injuries. McKay specifically was confirmed as Braydon Ennor’s replacement. The All Black will not be playing ….
Laidlaw Hopes for Same Players in Olympics
Clark Laidlaw, who spent time playing for Livorno, Borders and Scotland before taking up his All Blacks Sevens Coach position, is a hopeful man. He’s holding on to the possibility of recruiting the services of a number of Super Rugby players for the 2020 Summer Olympics, set to unfold from ….
ABs Skipper Worried About Concussions
All Blacks captain Sam Cane says that although he believes New Zealand Rugby are looking after their players, he cannot help but feel worried about his future health after suffering several knocks and blows to the head. The lawsuit previously brought against World, Wales, and England Rugby – by former ….
Eddie Jones Mum On England’s Attack Strategy
England rugby coach Eddie Jones says he has no intention of revealing his side’s plan of attack for the next Rugby World Cup anytime soon. They’ll be keeping their cards close to their chest, Jones said on Friday. Jones also appeared completely unphased over his team’s so-called “lack of ambition” ….