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Black Ferns captain Eloise Blackwell
Photo: Icon Sportswire
2021 was touted as being the golden year for women s rugby.
Back-to-back major international tournaments with the Tokyo Olympics for the sevens, to be followed by the first women s Rugby World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere.
But now World Rugby s recommended postponing the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand until next year.
The news that the Rugby World Cup was under threat blindsided Black Ferns captain Eloise Blackwell.
On her morning run today Blackwell got an email from New Zealand Rugby, quickly followed by an alert about the postponement from a media organisation.
Black Ferns captain Eloise Blackwell.
Photo: Photosport
The World Cup, scheduled to be held in New Zealand in September and October, is set to be delayed to 2022 after World Rugby recommended pushing back the event.
The chair of the organising committee, Dame Julie Christie, said travel and Covid restrictions made it untenable to host the tournament in 2021. For example a player may have had Covid in the past and therefore when they come into New Zealand and into our quarantine, that can still show up in their test. As a result you could have their whole team locked down or having to go home. One positive community case could lock down. With those sort of scenarios the risk was just too high.
The Graham Norton Show.
BBC First will replace Blue Ant’s HIFI Channel and is the second joint venture from BBC Studios and the Toronto-based broadcaster, producer and distributor. The two companies launched the channel BBC Earth in 2017. BBC First will be available in free preview for its first month.
“Canadians love British television, and Blue Ant Media’s expanded partnership with BBC Studios underpins our commitment to invest in high-quality, distinctive programs we know our audiences will enjoy,” said Jamie Schouela, president, global channels and media at Blue Ant Media, in a statement.
“The launch of BBC First continues our relationship with Blue Ant Media, a great partnership that has led to much success for BBC Earth in Canada,” said Rebecca Glashow, president, BBC Studios – Americas. “They intuitively understand the BBC brand, in-market needs and how to connect with audiences.”
Julie Christie Acquires Control of Factual Producer NHNZ
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New Zealand-based producer and entrepreneur Dame Julie Christie has acquired majority control of international factual program production company NHNZ. It will now be rebranded as NHNZ Worldwide.
Canada’s Blue Ant Media, its most recent owner, will retain a significant minority interest and will continue to own NHNZ’s catalogue of award-winning series and documentaries. Other deal terms were not disclosed.
More from Variety
Christie will become NHNZ Worldwide’s new CEO. Sam Sniderman, co-president, global content production at Blue Ant Media has joined NHNZ Worldwide’s board of directors. The company will remain headquartered in Dunedin, it was announced.