All Blacks players can opt out of the Rugby Championship

All Blacks players not interested in spending eight weeks away from their family at this year’s Rugby Championship would be supported by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) if they choose not to participate in the tournament, the CEO said. of the organization.

The southern hemisphere’s governing body for rugby, SANZAAR, said on Friday that the Four Nations Rugby Championship (TRC) will be held in Australia from November 7 to December 7. 12, after initially saying in July that New Zealand was the preferred host.

However, teams traveling to Australia would have to arrive at least two weeks before their first game to allow coronavirus isolation protocols to be completed, while the All Blacks would spend another 14 days in isolation when they return home.

“We are very supportive of our players. We know they have been through an incredibly difficult time this year,” NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said in comments published by New Zealand media on Saturday.

“This challenge of what they are about to undertake is going to be important and we will support them and their families in everything we need to do to make sure they are taken care of.

“If that means they can’t meet or travel, we will listen and support you.”

The New Zealand Warriors, competing in Australia’s National Rugby League competition, have been based in New South Wales since early May.

The Warriors allowed the players to return home for personal reasons, with four leaving in the middle of the season because their families were unable to join them in Australia.

All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor said Friday after playing for provincial Canterbury that it would be difficult to be away from home for that long.

“It will be difficult … but people have to do it all over the world,” he told Sky Sports.

“It will be interesting, but hey, we can still play test soccer.”

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Kim Coghill)