The 2021 Rugby Women's World Cup is set to be postponed until next year due to ongoing effects of Covid-19.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
World Rugby have recommended delaying the tournament, set to be held in New Zealand in September and October, to 2022.
It means the Black Ferns will have to wait another year to defend their title.
In a statement World Rugby said the proposed delay will be considered by the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee next week and it's believed the postponement will be confirmed.
World Rugby says it's become clear in recent discussions with key partners including New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Government, that, given the scale of the event and the pandemic related uncertainties, it's not possible to deliver the environment for all teams to be the best that they can be on the sport's greatest stage.
The challenges include uncertainty around some yet to be held World Cup qualifiers, uncertainty around the ability for teams to prepare adequately for the tournament both before and on arrival in New Zealand, and challenging global travel restrictions.
The statement said World Rugby can assure teams, New Zealanders and the global rugby family that the recommendation to postpone the tournament will help to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2021 will be all it can be next year for players, fans and the rugby family - one of the great Rugby World Cups.
Further updates will be issued following the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee meetings next week.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson said New Zealand remained "fully committed" to hosting an event next year.