Scotland’s summer test matches called off

The combination of local public health restrictions, which has seen extensive lockdown periods and an inability to play competitive sport, aligned with global travel restrictions, contributed to the decision to postpone all July international rugby fixtures announced by World Rugby.

Scotland were due to play two tests against the 2019 world champions South Africa in Cape Town on July 4, and Durban on July 11, before facing the All Blacks in Dunedin on July 18.

Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “It has been clear to our players, staff and supporters that the significant impact of COVID-19 across the world has meant international travel at this time was going to be very unlikely in the coming months, and so it has proved.

“As a team, we were generating some positive momentum in the Six Nations and we were all looking forward to playing the world champions, and the All Blacks, on their home soil this summer.

“As a tour, it would have provided an excellent learning experience but we fully understand the reasons why it can’t go ahead.”

He addded: “We wish the players, staff and families of both South Africa and New Zealand well at this difficult time and look forward to testing ourselves against them in the future.”

Scotland’s final match of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations against Wales was postponed in March and this was shortly followed by the Pro14 and Scotland’s own domestic leagues stopping all fixtures.

All Scotland’s professional rugby players were placed on furlough by Scottish Rugby in April and were advised no directed training would be required during May.

Scootish Rugby has said a phased resumption of training is being considered and would follow any public health guidance issued by the Scottish Government.