World Rugby has today confirmed the programme of international Rugby matches during the 2020 July window has been postponed due to ongoing government and health agency COVID-19 directives.
The decision has resulted in Qantas Wallabies Test matches against Ireland in Brisbane and Sydney, as well as a clash with Fiji in Townsville originally scheduled on July dates being officially postponed.
Rugby Australia interim CEO, Rob Clarke said: "The postponement of the July international window was always a reality given the ongoing travel restrictions and health directives across the globe.
"This was an outcome we were anticipating, and we are planning accordingly to host the fixtures later in the year, if possible, and will continue to work with World Rugby to identify a new window within the international calendar to stage the matches."
World Rugby confirmed in a statement on Friday that monitoring of the potential impact on the remaining 2020 international windows would continue in collaboration with international rugby stakeholders and the respective authorities.
"All parties, including member unions, international competitions, professional club competitions and International Rugby Players, will be involved in the evaluation of potential contingency options with a view to achieving an aligned calendar for the remainder of the year.
"All decision-making will be entirely contingent on national government travel, quarantine and health advice and important player welfare and hosting considerations in line with return-to-rugby guidance recently published by World Rugby," the World Rugby statement said.
