Report: Highly anticipated World XV match at risk of cancellation

According to reports from France, the summer match between the World XV and France is set to be canceled after “organizational problems” disrupted the event.

The match was due to take place in Bilbao in June, with the Spanish venue welcoming the highest levels of international rugby for an exciting exhibition match.

Already one of eight venues involved in World Rugby’s international SVNS competition, Bilbao would have been the venue where many of the world’s greatest players could showcase their skills, including Maxime Machenaud (Bayonne and France), Camille Lopez (Bayonne and France), Mako Vunipola (Saracens & England), Semi Radradra (Lyon & Fiji), Billy Vunipola (Saracens & England), Tevita Tatafu (Bayonne) and Owen Farrell (Saracens and England).

Detailing the reasons for the cancellation, RugbyRama, a French rugby publication, claimed: “The necessary safety conditions were not met by the organizer.”

Reports suggest there will be a final attempt to avoid a complete cancellation as organizers meet on Monday May 13.

A statement from the organiser, Live Rugby, read:

“The promoter is working to find a new date in the international calendar for the organization of this match. Tickets already purchased will be fully refunded via the dedicated website www.thematchrugby.com/fr.”

More soon…