Asia’s World Cup qualifiers cancelled
The qualification process for the World Cup was thrown into doubt again today with the cancellation of the qualification tournament, scheduled for Hong Kong next month
Published by John Birch, February 10th, 2021
2 minute read
Asia Rugby issued a statement this morning about the Asian Championship and World Cup qualifier:
"In light of ongoing COVID-19 travel and quarantine restrictions, Asia Rugby, in full consultation with the Hong Kong Rugby Union and participating unions, have taken the decision not to host the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship on 5, 9 and 13 March in Hong Kong as originally planned."The Asia Rugby Women’s Championship also acts as a Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification tournament and is contested by Japan, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. The winner will qualify directly to Rugby World Cup 2021 with the runner-up to play in the RWC 2021 Final Qualification Tournament."Asia Rugby, participating unions and World Rugby continue to work closely to determine alternative hosting solutions."Further updates will be provided when this process is complete."
The announcement follows Japan's announcement that they were cancelling their tour.
It is significant setback for the World Cup qualification process after announcements in recent weeks about the European qualification process and the World Cup schedule.
Asie Rugbyreports “According to the latest rumors coming from Asia Rugby, President Qais Al Dhalai would like to take the opportunity to play the Asian qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates” but this is unconfirmed by any other sources.
The most significant problem for World Rugby is that the Final Qualification Tournament will not be able to take place – or possibly even be scheduled – until all four teams are known. At present only Samoa have qualified for the event.