The All Blacks shouldn't expect an early Christmas present from the Labour Government.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed players would not be granted an early release from quarantine to be home in time for Christmas.
The recently released Rugby Championship schedule has the All Blacks playing Australia in the final match of the tournament on December 12 in Sydney.
After returning to New Zealand, players and staff will be in quarantine until at least December 27, meaning they will miss spending Christmas with their families.
NZ Rugby is upset with the schedule, believing the All Blacks' final game would be scheduled for December 6, and is working with Rugby Australia and the other SANZAAR unions for an alternate solution, although SANZAAR is standing firm.
Ardern has ruled out an early quarantine release for the All Blacks, but hopes common sense prevails.
"We have to be consistent here," Ardern says. "We are asking people to go into managed isolation and many will be in there over the Christmas period.
"The easiest way to solve the issue the All Blacks are facing is if we stick to the existing game dates, which concluded on the 6th of December."
Rugby Australia interim chief executive Rob Clarke says his organisation will do all it can to ensure the All Blacks are home for Christmas.
