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World Rugby\u2019s recommendation to postpone the women\u2019s World Cup until next year has been ratified by the global governing body\u2019s executive committee.<\/p>\nWorld Rugby\u2019s recommendation to postpone the women\u2019s World Cup until next year has been ratified by the global governing body\u2019s executive committee.<\/p>\n
The decision to delay the tournament that is to be staged in New Zealand \u2013 first announced last week \u2013 was made because of the uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
The committee have also agreed to develop and fund a World Cup high performance preparation and competition program for qualified nations and those still competing in the qualification process.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur hearts go out to all the players, team personnel and fans who were preparing and looking forward to the World Cup this year,\u201d World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognize that they will be extremely disappointed, but I would like to assure them that the decision to postpone has been made entirely in the interests of their welfare, well-being and preparation and the desire to put on a showcase tournament that will super-charge women\u2019s rugby globally.<\/p>\n
\u201cA World Cup is the best of the best, for the best of the best, and as we have seen in recent weeks, emergence of Covid-19 variants and ongoing lockdowns show that it is still a fragile global environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cPostponement by a year should enable us to enjoy the benefits of the global vaccination program, easing the burden on international travel requirements and within New Zealand itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would also like to emphasize that we are unwavering in our commitment to the women\u2019s game and we will be investing over \u00a32million into an international competition schedule for teams to ensure they are at their best for 2022.\u201d<\/p>\n