Women's team

Stranded home based players unlikely to feature in Samoa's OFC Nations Cup quest

Short of game time and fitness because of the impact of Covid-19, they are likely to be overlooked in favour of overseas based players.

"I've not been able to go to Samoa because of the restrictions," said coach Paul Ifill. "And the players from Samoa haven't been able to get out because of lockdowns."

"It's very frustrating. If you're the best player on the island, knowing that it's out of your hands whether you go to a Nations Cup and represent your country must be a nightmare"

New Zealand awarded sevens titles

Tournaments in London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong were cancelled on the men's tour, while the women's circuit lost rounds in the United States, Paris and Hong Kong.

"While it is very disappointing for players, fans, organisers and everyone involved ... the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and wider society remains the number one priority," World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said in a statement.