Super W honours have gone to the NSW Waratahs for a third-straight season after Rugby Australia scrapped its finals series because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The Waratahs finished the regular season in top spot with 19 competition points, four ahead of second-placed Queensland.
The Reds were due to play the Brumbies in a battle to face the Waratahs in the decider, a clash originally delayed until May after COVID-19 brought the competition to a halt.
However RA, its chief medical officer Warren McDonald and all Super W teams agreed the season could not be completed in the near future and awarding the title to the undefeated Waratahs was the only option.
"Due to the ongoing public health emergency of COVID-19, Rugby Australia, the State and Territory Unions, and Rugby Australia Chief Medical Officer, Warren McDonald agreed that the season could not be completed in the near future," an RA statement said on Friday.
"(They) have collectively made the decision to conclude the season with immediate effect to provide certainty for teams, athletes and staff."
NSW have won all 14 of the matches they have played over the three years of the competition.
"Whilst it's disappointing news for all involved, that the Buildcorp Super W Finals cannot be played, the wellbeing of players, team staff and officials has to be our number one priority at this time,'" RA director of rugby Scott Johnson said.
"This news, however, should not detract from what has been a fantastic Super W competition this year.
"The rugby has been more competitive than ever and there have been plenty of old and new faces putting their hands up in the pursuit of a Wallaroos jersey.
"Women's Rugby is going from strength to strength in Australia and whilst rugby may be paused for now, we will continue to support our women's programs as we build towards the Olympic Games and the women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year."
Australian Associated Press
