Due to the COVID-19 international pandemic, New Zealand Rugby League regrets to inform that the Oceania Cup
International Test matches scheduled for June between the Kiwis and Tonga Invitational XIII and the Kiwi Ferns and Fetu
Samoa have been postponed.
We appreciate this is an unprecedented step being taken for international rugby league; however, due
to the current travel restrictions, self-isolation requirements, and restrictions on mass gatherings, the decision has
been made to cancel.
NZRL is in discussions with the APRLC (Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation) regarding potential postponement options
and will continue to liaise with industry bodies, government agencies and playing groups to determine the best course of
action going forward.
Greg Peters, NZRL CEO said these are unprecedented measures that had to be taken.
“With the recent announcement on mass gatherings and the unpredictability of this pandemic, the safety and well-being of
our players, staff and supporters remain a priority. We are also very conscious of the current demand on some of our
players due to the travel restrictions in place which we will be taking into full consideration going forward.
“Even if restrictions were to be lifted before the event date, it still is not feasible to undertake the work required
now to deliver matches in June amid the current uncertainty. The best-case scenario is our calendar is postponed,
depending on what the NRL season looks like the back end of the year, but of course, we cannot guarantee anything at
this stage.
“We are in unfamiliar and unknown territory; collectively, we are all feeling the widespread impact of this pandemic but
rest assured, we will be exploring every possible option.”