Wallabies Test moved amid NSW COVID-19 outbreak

Rugby Australia has officially moved the Wallabies' Test against France from the SCG to Suncorp Stadium due to New South Wales' COVID-19 outbreak.

While the venue of opening Test of the 2021 eToro France Series has been changed, the time slot will remain at 8:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, July 7.

MORE: Wallabies cop major injury blow ahead of France series

The decision was made by Rugby Australia after the NSW government extended the state's COVID-19 restrictions until July 9.

"It's never an easy decision to move a fixture," Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement on Sunday.

"One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that we have to be able to pivot quickly. Following the announcement yesterday, we were faced with yet another challenge and we knew we had to respond swiftly.

"We were all excited for the Wallabies to return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time in 35 years and have enjoyed great support and cooperation from Destination New South Wales, the New South Wales Government and the Sydney Cricket Ground in assisting us with safe quarantine of the French team, as well as the planning and preparation for the Test match.

"We're obviously disappointed for Wallabies fans in New South Wales who will miss the opportunity for a home Test in this French Series, but we are excited that Test Rugby will be returning during the eToro Rugby Championship later this year. We will continue to work with the respective health authorities around Australia to ensure all events are safely delivered for fans, players and officials."

The second Test in the eToro France Series is expected to proceed as scheduled at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Tuesday, July 13.

RA was also forced to postpone July's Wallaroos PacificAus Sports Samoa Series due to border restrictions, but is committed to finding an alternate window later in the year for the two-Test series.

"I am equally disappointed for our Wallaroos squad following the postponement of their Series," Marinos said.

"It's been a really challenging year for them with the postponement of the Rugby World Cup to 2022 and now this delay, before we can finally see them finally taking the field in the coming months.

"We are now busy seeking an appropriate window for the Tests to take place."

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!