First Test between France and Australia moved to Brisbane

The opening Test between Australia and France has been shifted to Brisbane following a two-week lockdown announced in Sydney due to rise in Covid-19 cases.

The opening encounter was set to be played on the Sydney Cricket Ground on 7th July but with the city entering a hard lockdown, Brisbane's Lang Park, where the third Test has been scheduled on 17th July will also host the first game.

The second game will continue to be played in Melbourne on 13th July.

Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos expressed disappointment on the news to move the game away from Sydney but insisted that they will cooperate completely with the government authorities as they look to curb the new surge in Covid cases.

"It's never an easy decision to move a fixture. One thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us is that we have to be able to pivot quickly," he said in a statement.

"We will continue to work with the respective health authorities around Australia to ensure all events are safely delivered for fans, players and officials,".

The RA board also confirmed that the two-match Test series between Australia Women's team and Samoa to be played next month has been postponed.

Fixtures:

7th July - First Test - Brisbane
13th July - Second Test - Melbourne
17th July - Third Test - Brisbane