New Zealand pull out of match in Australia and home Tests against South Africa

New Zealand have withdrawn from their Rugby Championship fixture against the Wallabies and have cancelled their matches against South Africa due to Covid restrictions.

As the third Bledisloe Cup set to take place in Perth, the Western Australian government announced a 14-day quarantine for people coming from New Zealand. New Zealand themselves imposed a three-day lockdown in the country after a single positive Covid case in Auckland.

"We share the disappointment of our fans, players and other stakeholders, particularly those in Dunedin where the sold-out 100th Test between the All Blacks and South Africa was shaping up as a very special occasion," NZR CEO Mark Robinson said.

"We understand the importance of putting the health and safety of New Zealanders first.

"Without complete certainty on the team's next movements around the Rugby Championship we felt it was prudent for the team to stay put in New Zealand until SANZAAR have announced the full tournament schedule," Robinson added.

"Once the team leaves our shores, they currently can't return until November 23 post their northern tour, so given the uncertainty, it makes sense to pause and get more clarity on these fixtures."

Meanwhile, Robinson also confirmed that New Zealand Women's home games against Australia in Christchurch on 26th September and in Auckland on 2nd October has also been cancelled.