The third Bledisloe Test between Australia and New Zealand in Perth has been put on hold as Rugby Australia explores other alternatives.
This comes after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced the All Blacks would not travel to Perth this weekend.
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“It’s incredibly disappointing to be informed of this decision via the media, despite having a conversation with the CEO moments before and there no mention that this was the intention," RA CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
“Despite this outcome, I am confident we will find a solution for the whole Rugby Championship in what continues to be a very challenging environment in which to work.
“We have been engaging in positive discussions with both teams as well as Government partners and we're confident we were close to finding a solution."
Marinos thanked the tireless effort from staff, partners and the Government in trying to secure a solution, with the game originally rescheduled from August 21.
"Thank you to the West Australian Government and the staff at Optus Stadium as well as Nine, Cadbury, eToro and the Rugby Australia partners for their continued engagement and flexibility to work with us to find a solution in these difficult times," he said.
“I would also like to thank the Wallaby team and management for their continued sacrifice, compromise and willingness to ensure Test matches get played.
"The team has been in camp since the end of June and jumped on a plane at the end of July to go to New Zealand with no certainty as to what the Test schedule will look like, or when they would be home."
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NZR also confirmed the cancellation of the two-Test series between the Black Ferns and Wallaroos, with a pause put on travel between the two nations.
“The news of the cancellation of the O’Reilly Cup Tests is equally as disappointing for our Wallaroos, who were ready to play their first Test of the year," Marinos added.
“We will continue to leave no stone unturned in finding an option for our Wallaroos as well as the Perth Test.
“Australia has proven its ability to host International Rugby in the current climate, and it is something we will continue to work towards.”
