2021 Open and Masters Trans-Tasman events cancelled

Touch New Zealand (TNZ) and Touch Football Australia (TFA) have made the decision to cancel the proposed Trans-Tasman events in 2021. Both the Open and Masters Trans-Tasman events will be cancelled due to significant uncertainty surrounding international travel for next year.

Both TFA and TNZ are aware of recent announcements by our respective governments outlining a plan to operate a travel bubble in the early parts of 2021. However, with no certainty over when and how such a travel bubble would operate both organisations determined the best course of action was to cancel the Trans-Tasman series and focus on rebuilding the sport domestically through 2021.

TNZ and TFA will look to continue the cycle of Trans-Tasman events in 2022, with current discussions between the two nations considering a Masters Trans-Tasman in Christchurch, New Zealand, in January 2022 and an Open Trans-Tasman in Newcastle, Australia, in April 2022.

The cycle of Youth Program events will also continue, with a possible event to be held in 2022, dependent on the viability of the next Youth World Cup.

While the cancellation of 2021 Trans-Tasman events is now confirmed, no firm decisions on dates of potential 2022 or 2023 events have been made. TNZ and TFA will continue to monitor international travel restrictions and make decisions at the appropriate time in the new year, however both organisations are looking forward to recommencing international touch football as soon as practical.

TFA CEO Jamie O’Connor looks forward to a time when the Emus and Touch Blacks can go head to head again. “In the meantime, TFA will continue to provide opportunities via domestic events to ensure our Emus players are well prepared for international matches when they return to our schedule.”

TNZ CE Joe Sprangers expressed his thanks to TFA for their supportive approach to working through the issues of the past eight months, while looking forward to the next opportunity the nations can engage on the playing field once again.