Queensland has firmly cemented itself as a safe haven for sporting codes, with Rugby Union becoming the latest to move its competition to the state.

The body which oversees Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship competitions in rugby union, SANZAAR, confirming the Rugby Championship will be moved to the sunshine state in what will become a world rugby first. 

Rugby will now join the NRL and Super Netball competing in QLD, as COVID-19 continues to infect other states.

The championship matches will be played as double-headers across four straight weekends in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Townsville. 

Ticket Holders for the previously scheduled matches in Sydney, Newcastle, and Canberra will be refunded. 

Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos, said in a statement: “This is a world Rugby first and a truly special celebration of the game, in what I see as a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

“We can’t thank Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk enough, as well as Queensland chief health officer Dr. Jeannette Young and John Lee of the Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport and their respective departments for their support in making this tournament possible.

“What a fantastic tournament ahead for fans in Queensland. 

“Four unmissable back-to-back double-headers featuring four of the very best Test nations in World Rugby – all in Queensland’s backyard.

“We hope everyone stays safe and we look forward to bringing world-class Rugby to fans right across the country next year,” he said.

SANZAAR CEO, Brendan Morris, added: “We thought last year was tough when we had to implement a Tri-Nations tournament in Australia with South Africa absent due to the pandemic, but the current disruption caused by the ‘delta variant’ of COVID-19 has seen government authorities tighten up border biosecurity measures substantially.

“This is understandable and therefore, we had no option but to basically move the remainder of The Rugby Championship to Queensland,” he said.

Tickets for the matches will go on sale next week.