The sad news of 8 September with the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II has left sporting bodies of every colour with a tricky decision to make: to call games off or let them go ahead.
At the time of writing (9 September, 09.30) only the Scottish Rugby Union has taken a firm decision, all games under its jurisdiction will be called off over the coming weekend (10-11 September.)
That includes Scotland’s last warm-up game against Spain in Edinburgh. Perhaps it is fortunate that their opponents happen to be part of another monarchy, so would understand the reasoning more easily.
But we can be sure that staff and players would far prefer to have the game rearranged; the Scottish team need as much pre-RWC practice as possible. Whether a date can be found to both sides’ convenience is another matter entirely.
There are significant games taking place all round the world, above all Rugby World Cup 7s 2022 in Cape Town. It would cause a considerable shock if this major tournament took a lurch in its arrangements. At the time of writing no changes are contemplated.
In New Zealand it is the final of the Farah Palmer Cup Championship between Otago and Hawkes Bay.
In England the RFU has stated that it is in ongoing dialogue with the DCMS Department of the Government and expects to deliver its verdict on the fate of the weekend’s matches by early on 9 December.
We can be certain that the Italy-France test in Biella will go ahead as planned today.
