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Argentina faces the likelihood of missing out on hosting test matches in 2020. The reason for this is no secret: covid-19. Responses to the pandemic mean that all the dates for Argentina’s home matches are officially compromised, leaving Los Pumas without a home test match for the first year since 1982.
The Malvinas / Falklands war last ten weeks from April o2 to June 14 in 1982. The previous year England played two test matches in Argentina on May 30 and June 06 and in November 1981 Los Pumas played host to Canada. In 1983 Argentina hosted Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay in the South American Championship, yet in 1982 there were zero home test matches for Argentina.
In 2020 Argentina had six home matches scheduled. The first three were incoming fixtures against France and Italy as part of the annual mid-year internationals. Unlike in prior RWC cycles this century, the tour matches are scheduled for July rather than June.
Covid-19 saw the UAR delaying confirmation of the venues for the two matches against France and the one against Italy. Los Pumas were, however, confirmed as playing their home Rugby Championship matches against South Africa in San Juan on August 15; New Zealand in Mendoza on September 19; and Australia in Buenos Aires on September 26.
Measures taken by governments around the world have damaged air travel routes severely. This has seen Air New Zealand ending its service to Buenos Aires permanently. It has also seen the Argentine government suspending all flights until September.
The Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil (ANAC) announced the suspension of all flights to, from and within Argentina until September 01. The Argentine National Civil Aviation Administration also prohibited the sales of flights until this same date.
ANAC’s decision confirms that there cannot be home matches in July against France or Italy. It also confirms that Los Pumas will be unable to play their scheduled rounds one to three matches in the Rugby Championship. Those matches were scheduled for August 08, 15 and 29 in Johannesburg, San Juan and Hamilton.
Argentina’s fourth round Rugby Championship fixture is scheduled to be played in Newcastle, Australia on September 05. Technically, that match may be possible, however it is the second match of Argentina’s tour to Oceania. Indeed, New Zealand vs Argentina in Hamilton is scheduled for August 29.
Based on the ANAC decision, the chances of Los Pumas playing in New Zealand and Australia are minimal. Moreover, both Australia and New Zealand are unlikely to alter their policy of closed borders in time for any test match rugby to be green lighted.
This means that Los Pumas home matches in round five and six are also far more than under threat. All six rounds of the competition thereby face cancelation. It is not necessarily a dead end though, as efforts are being made to play the Rugby Championship in some capacity in October. This may mean all matches take place in one country, or even in one city such as Sydney.
