This morning the WSL has confirmed the Championship Tour’s updated schedule and the Australian leg, announcing the cancellation of the Gold Coast and Victoria events after they could not make agreements with those states.
The WSL will concentrate its Australian CT events in New South Wales and Western Australia, following approvals for pre-approved quarantine bubbles. The WSL could not achieve these bubbles in Victoria and Queensland in the short amount of time it needed to do so but could in Western Australia, hence the two events in each state given the charter of international athletes lands in NSW.
“The WSL is truly excited to have the CT coming back to Australia in 2021 with the addition of an extra event,” said WSL APAC General Manager, Andrew Stark. “This year, the Aussie CT leg is looking very different to what we’re used to due to COVID-19, with the addition of three new stops. Although it’s genuinely disappointing to miss locations like Bells Beach and Snapper Rocks this year, we are stoked to add Newcastle, North Narrabeen and Rottnest Island to the schedule. We would like to sincerely thank all of our partners for their patience, understanding and support during this extremely difficult time. The WSL can’t wait to get the tour back underway and run epic and safe events for our athletes, fans and partners in Australia.”
Last week, the WSL announced the agreement with the New South Wales Government that will see all international competitors board a chartered flight in Los Angeles that will land in Sydney. Once in Australia, all travelling athletes and support staff will undergo the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine and receive a medical clearance from public health officials before entering the general community and preparing for Newcastle competition. The Government is not funding the quarantine.
Australian Leg of 2021 WSL Championship Tour*:
*All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.
- Rip Curl Newcastle Cup pres. by Corona: April 1 – 1
- Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona: April 16 – 26
- Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro pres. by Corona: May 2-12
- Rip Curl Rottnest Search pres. by Corona: May 16 – 26
