Japan Sunwolves Kaito Shigeno runs to score a try during the Super 18 Rugby match South Africa’s Sharks versus Japan’s Sunwolves at the Growthpoint Kingspark Stadium in Durban on July 15, 2016. / AFP / ANESH DEBIKY
Sunwolves match against Brumbies moved amid coronavirus fears
According to SANZAAR, the Japanese government has requested a cancellation of sporting events in the country, affecting the Round 6 clash between the Sunwolves and the Brumbies.
Japan Sunwolves Kaito Shigeno runs to score a try during the Super 18 Rugby match South Africa’s Sharks versus Japan’s Sunwolves at the Growthpoint Kingspark Stadium in Durban on July 15, 2016. / AFP / ANESH DEBIKY
The upcoming Super Rugby fixture between the Sunwolves and the Brumbies is set to be relocated, following concerns over the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.
The two teams were due to meet in the sixth round of fixtures in the 2020 edition of the tournament, with the match scheduled to take place in Osaka.
Coronavirus fears force change in Super Rugby schedule
Tournament organisers SANZAAR issued out a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the Japanese government had requested that all sports events taking place in the country over the next two weeks be rescheduled.
“The international cross-border nature of Super Rugby has led SANZAAR to review its playing schedule and to implement specific tournament protocols to minimise any risks of the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus,” read the statement.
“To date the Corona [COVID-19] virus has been detected in 30 countries and territories around the World. The most concerning to SANZAAR of these are the Sunwolves’ home venues in Japan and Singapore where matches are scheduled to be played.
“Presently a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have placed travel and country entry restrictions on passengers travelling from or through mainland China [the virus epicentre] within 14 days of entry to reduce the potential spread of infection. However, at this time travel restrictions into and out of Japan by the respective SANZAAR Governments have not been further escalated from their latest positions earlier in the week.
“However, SANZAAR has now been informed that the Japanese Government has requested the cancellation of sporting events in the country for the next two weeks with specific mention of the Japanese professional sports leagues. This includes the Sunwolves versus Brumbies match that is scheduled to be played in Osaka on the 8th March 2020.”
SANZAAR
Sunwolves vs Brumbies to be relocated
SANZAAR says it has been in communication with the relevant people to determine whether or not the match can be relocated.
“In terms of the Super Rugby tournament as a whole, management is in regular and close contact with the National Union Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) who have been monitoring teams within their own territories against national health guidelines and health authority directives.”
SANZAAR
According to SANZAAR no players or Super Rugby officials have been identified as active cases of the virus.
“Daily review and monitoring of all participants is now in place under an agreed protocol,” SANZAAR said. “Under this protocol, the CMOs will ensure: the set-up of sanitisation stations at all team venues; temperature checks on all players and staff; provision of contact and treatment plans for each National Union to assist visiting teams; and monitoring of match officials.”
SANZAAR
The Sunwolves are away to the Hurricanes this coming weekend, with their match against the Brumbies set to take place on Sunday, 8 March.
