New Zealand Rugby welcomes long-term international schedule

Mar 17 • General News, International • 1766 Views • Comments Off on New Zealand Rugby welcomes long-term international schedule

New Zealand Rugby has today welcomed a new historic international calendar announced by World Rugby this morning.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chief Executive Steve Tew said the 2020-2032 international schedule secured a long-coveted July window for northern team tours to the southern hemisphere. The move from June to July paves the way for an uninterrupted Investec Super Rugby season.

“National unions have worked hard to agree on this calendar which gives us great long-term certainty around our international fixtures.

“This is an excellent outcome for New Zealand with Super Rugby able to run without the disruptive June break and provides the optimum preparation for the July international window.

“This has been an important piece of work which also takes into account the welfare of players, development and advancement opportunities for emerging nations, and an exciting programme of Test rugby.”

“We now have certainty with a 10-year programme of July tours already agreed including three British and Irish Lions series,” Tew said.