New Zealand is set to host all the games of this year's Rugby Championship with the tournament likely to be played off in a six-week period later this year.
The competition between South Africa, Australia, Argentina and the All-Blacks is likely to be played in November and December, pending approval from the New Zealand government.
Organisers Sanzaar say they've picked New Zealand as their preferred venue because of international travel restrictions and COVID stability in the country.
"Having successfully restarted Super Rugby this year in Australia and New Zealand our focus is now on the Rugby Championship that is set to be played in one central location," Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos announced in a statement.
"We have determined that New Zealand is currently the favoured option given the COVID-19 stability within the region. Critical to this, however, is alignment with the government around its requirements for this to take place.
"Sanzaar is well advanced in option planning, which in turn, is now seeking government approval."
Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson says they're keen to host a safe tournament in the country, adding that exemptions would be needed for squads to enter the country.
"We are open to the idea of hosting these international games here, but of course we will need to ensure they can be held safely and we have the appropriate facilities available so that players can isolate and train upon entry to New Zealand," Robertson said.
"Discussions are underway about this in the context of the government's wider border and isolation management strategy.
"These kinds of economics opportunities are what we expect given the advantage New Zealand has because of the government's decision to go hard and early in the response to COVID-19."
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