Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

SANZAAR issue update on Super Rugby games impacted by Coronavirus

Sunwolves. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

SANZAAR announced on Thursday morning the Japanese government has requested the cancellation of all sporting events for the next two weeks which will impact games hosted in Japan.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The international cross-border nature of the Super Rugby tournament has led SANZAAR to review its playing schedule and to implement specific tournament protocols to minimise any risks of the ongoing effects of the Corona [COVID-19] virus,” a statement read.

“To date, the 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.

The Brumbies’ Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves scheduled for early next month in Osaka is set to be relocated due to the coronavirus.

SANZAAR is now working to determine if the Hanazono Rugby Stadium match can be relocated and if this isn’t possible, the teams are set to split the competition points.

“SANZAAR will issue further details on the position of this match and any potential further disruptions in the near future,” the governing body said in a statement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9AalSlAZBT/

This follows Ireland’s decision to postpone their Six Nations fixture against Italy, which was due to take place in Dublin on March 7.

ADVERTISEMENT

Due to the outbreak of the virus in northern Italy, the IRFU decided to reschedule with thousands of Italian supporters, many from the regions most affected by the outbreak, expected to make the trip.

The Sunwolves play home games in Japan and Singapore, with the Reds due to play in Tokyo on April 5 with the Waratahs scheduled there on May 8.

The Sunwolves also have back-to-back matches against the Rebels and Waratahs in Australia late next month which could be impacted if there are travel restrictions placed on the Tokyo-based team.

SANZAAR says it’s in regular contact with National Union Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) who have been monitoring their teams.

ADVERTISEMENT

There’s presently no identified cases of any players, management or match officials presenting symptoms associated with the virus, including the Sunwolves.

Sam Cane answers questions from RugbyPass’ fans:

Video Spacer

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

C
CO 11 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

25 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ The joy, spirit and obstacles of the rugby pilgrim The joy, spirit and obstacles of the rugby pilgrim
Search