- Title: Argentina players kicked out of Rugby Championship for health rule breach
- Date: 30th September 2021
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (FILE - SEPTEMBER 19, 2019) (REUTERS) ARGENTINA SQUAD AHEAD OF TRAINING COACH MARIO LEDESMA VARIOUS OF FLYHALF NICOLAS SANCHEZ VARIOUS OF SQUAD GOING THROUGH ATTACKING DRILL SANCHEZ KICKING BALL TRAINING IN PROGRESS
- Embargoed: 14th October 2021 01:33
- Keywords: Argentina Rugby COVID/19 Rugby Championship UAR coronavirus rugby union
- Location: NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA / TOKYO JAPAN
- City: NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA / TOKYO JAPAN
- Country: Australia
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Australia,Rugby Union,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA002EWRY3B3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Six Argentina rugby players and two staff have been kicked out of the Rugby Championship for breaching tournament health rules after taking an unauthorised trip to the New South Wales resort of Byron Bay, tournament organisers said on Thursday (September 30).
The tournament, which also includes Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, has been operating under strict biosecurity protocols in Australia's northeastern state of Queensland due to COVID-19.
SANZAAR said the players had broken the tournament's rules when they travelled across the Queensland state border with New South Wales to visit Byron Bay, a popular tourist destination.
"SANZAAR has informed Argentina Rugby that all members of this group are now ineligible to participate further in The Rugby Championship as they have breached tournament rules," SANZAAR said in a statement.
"SANZAAR is very disappointed that such a breach has occurred given the clear rules that are in place to ensure the health and safety of all players and staff, and compliance with all relevant health orders."
SANZAAR said the players, who had been stopped from re-entering Queensland by police due to a lack of documentation, would stay in New South Wales until rejoining the rest of the Argentina squad on Sunday.
The governing body added that the final Rugby Championship test between Argentina and Australia would go ahead on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Argentina have lost all five matches they have played in the tournament.
(Production: Stefan Haskins) - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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