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NZ unhappy with Rugby Championship plan

3 minute read

New Zealand Rugby say they didn't agree to the Rugby Championship schedule and are disappointed their players may now miss Christmas with their families.

New Zealand are crying foul over the Rugby Championship planning, saying they haven't agreed to the schedule which could mean the All Blacks players spend Christmas in quarantine.

New Zealand Rugby released a statement on Thursday following the draw announcement saying the schedule had changed from the original plan, which had the last match set down for December 5 rather than December 12.

The earlier date would have allowed New Zealand players to compulsory quarantine for two weeks and be out in time for Christmas, rather than December 27.

"We were working on the understanding and all our planning and scheduling was on the basis that the All Blacks last match would be on December 5," NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said in a statement.

"(This would) give our players and management time to get home, undertake the 14 days' quarantine back in New Zealand, and then be with their families for Christmas, as will be the case for the other three teams in the tournament.

"We understand the commercial considerations in the scheduling. However, the wellbeing of our people is an incredibly important factor in this also.

"We haven't agreed to this schedule and are disappointed at the announcement."

Robinson said they were still committed to playing in the Rugby Championship and planned to work with Rugby Australia and SANZAAR to find a solution.

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