New Zealand authorities are open to hosting Rugby Championship matches involving South Africa, Argentina and Australia later this year as long as facilities can be found to allow visiting national teams to quarantine securely and train. SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos said New Zealand is the best bet for seeing the Rugby Championship played this year. ``SANZAAR is well advanced in option planning with New Zealand Rugby, which in turn is now seeking New Zealand Government approval. International rugby was suspended in March went sports went into lockdown globally amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Super Rugby competition, involving provincial teams from the four SANZAAR members plus Japan, was called off in March after seven rounds.-AP

Source: The Standard July 16, 2020 06:11 UTC