World Rugby has issued a recommendation to the Rugby World Cup board and World Rugby executive committee to postpone the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand to 2022 due to COVID-19.

The World Rugby recommendation will be considered in a board and executive committee meeting next week, after consultation with stakeholders including New Zealand Rugby, New Zealand government and competing national rugby unions.

“While appreciating the recommendation is extremely disappointing for teams and fans, it has their interests at heart, and gives the tournament the best opportunity to be all it can be for them, all New Zealanders and the global rugby family,” World Rugby said in a statement.

“The recommendation is based on the evolution of the uncertain and challenging global COVID-19 landscape.

“It has become clear in recent discussions with key partners including New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand government and participating unions, that, given the scale of the event and the COVID-19-related uncertainties, it is just not possible to deliver the environment for all teams to be the best that they can be on the sport’s greatest stage.

“The challenges include uncertainty and the ability for teams to prepare adequately for a Rugby World Cup tournament both before and on arrival in New Zealand, and challenging global travel restrictions.

“World Rugby can assure teams, New Zealanders and the global rugby family that the recommendation to postpone the tournament will help to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2021 will be all it can be next year for players, fans, and the rugby family, one of the great Rugby World Cups,” the organisation said.

In response to the recommendation from World Rugby, Rugby Australia general manager of women’s rugby, Jilly Collins, said: “It’s disappointing news for both our team and the wider rugby community.”

“Ultimately, safety must be the number one priority.

“Furthermore, a tournament needs to be delivered that is fitting of the pinnacle event in the Women’s Rugby XVs calendar with all teams as best prepared as possible.

“We will regroup as a team at our training camp next week and our priority now is to work out our revised Test schedule for 2021.

“It goes without saying that the Wallaroos cannot wait to pull on the gold jersey as soon as possible,” Collins said.