Langford-based Rugby sa国际传媒 was left to deal with baffling mixed messaging as World Rugby recommended the 颅postponing of the 2021 women鈥檚 World Cup to next year in New Zealand.
Canadian XVs head coach Sandro Fiorino would have to re-configure his preparation plans. But as interim head coach of the Canadian sevens team, Fiorino is continuing to prepare that group at Westhills Stadium and Goudy Field for the Tokyo Olympics this summer. The IOC and 颅Japanese government say the Tokyo Games, already 颅postponed from 2020, will be held July 23 to Aug. 8. The Canadian men鈥檚 sevens team is also 颅preparing in Langford for the Tokyo 颅Olympics.
As strange as it seems to have the World Cup postponed while Olympic rugby sevens proceeds this year, the XVs players are taking it in stride. Canadian women鈥檚 XVs team player Sophie De Goede of Victoria was disappointed but understanding about the World Cup delay.
鈥淲e are gutted to hear of the news,鈥� said the Oak Bay High School grad and Castaway Wanderers product.
鈥淏ut we understand the decision has been made in the best interest of the health and safety of all players, staff and public involved,鈥� added De Goede, from England, where she plays pro for Saracens.
鈥淲e are now potentially a year and a half out from the World Cup, so we鈥檒l reset and refocus on our preparation with the new dates in mind.鈥�
The national governing body expressed similar sentiments.
鈥淩ugby sa国际传媒 is very disappointed at today鈥檚 recommendation to postpone Rugby World Cup 2021,鈥� tweeted Rugby 颅sa国际传媒 chair Tim Powers.
鈥淏ut we support the position of World Rugby to put participant safety at the forefront of the decision-making process.鈥�
As understandable as any decision made for safety is 颅during the pandemic, it doesn鈥檛 make it any easier to digest.
鈥淭his announcement is especially difficult for our athletes and team staff who have committed so much time and effort to being prepared for Rugby World Cup 2021,鈥� added Powers.
The final decision will be made at the World Rugby 颅executive committee meeting March 8-9.
鈥淚f the decision is ultimately made to postpone the tournament, Rugby sa国际传媒 will fully support our national women鈥檚 XVs team in developing new preparation timelines to ensure we are ready to compete against the world鈥檚 best in 2022,鈥� said Powers.
sa国际传媒 is ranked No. 3 in the world and is a serious threat for the World Cup podium.
The World Cup was scheduled for Sept. 18 to Oct. 16, just when the effects of the vaccine rollouts will start to be truly felt and many sports are expected to open up.
And New Zealand has done among the best jobs in the world of controlling the pandemic.
鈥淲e realize the decision will be hugely disappointing for players and fans alike,鈥� said Alan Gilpin, interim chief executive of World Rugby.
鈥淲e really believe it is the right recommendation. Due to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, it鈥檚 too difficult to guarantee adequate preparation time for all teams in advance of their arrival into New Zealand. We want this tournament to be all it can be and that鈥檚 why we believe this recommendation is right and we can assure all players and all New Zealanders that we will give everything to deliver a spectacular and best-ever World Cup next year and to reward their patience and 颅dedication.鈥�
