5 Sep 2020

Another setback for Rugby Championship organisers

5:15 pm on 5 September 2020

Six Argentina players have tested positive to Covid-19, further jeopardising plans for the Rugby Championship to be held in New Zealand this year.

Emiliano Boffelli of Argentina scores against the All Blacks in Nelson.

Emiliano Boffelli Photo: Photosport

The Argentina Rugby Union has announced Juan Cruz Mallía, Emiliano Boffelli, Bautista Delguy, Rodrigo Fernández Criado, Bautista Pedemonte and Lucas Bur have tested positive and have been placed in isolation

The Pumas players were all asymptomatic.

It comes after loose forward Javier Ortega Desio was unable to join Argentina's 46-man camp last week after also testing positive.

The positive cases are set to impact on the Pumas' preparation, while South Africa has also been hit hard by the pandemic with the world champions also linked with move to play in Europe.

It was hoped Argentina, South Africa and Australia could join the All Blacks in a rescheduled Rugby Championship in New Zealand in November and December.