Coronavirus scare for Crusaders

requirements while he was in New Zealand.

‘‘That’s our understanding at this point of time, and we’re double verifying, because he has been gone for some period of time, was not displaying any symptoms while he was in New Zealand, and because the players most likely to come in contact are now in self-isolation, that’s where we’re at at the moment.’’

The Sydney Morning Herald reported the player fell ill last Sunday, but SUFC was not informed by health authorities until Wednesday that a positive coronavirus case had been recorded.

Crusaders management contacted the Sydney University team after learning of the infection.

Sydney University are Shute Shield champions in Australia and were touring New Zealand before their season started.

The Sydney University player took part in a match on Saturday, against the University of Queensland in Sydney.

NSW Health then swiftly interviewed the player, before informing those who might have reached a close-contact threshold they would need to self-isolate for 14 days.

The Waratahs and Queensland Reds confirmed none of their contracted players took part in the match, with both franchises pulling out players leading into the game.

In a statement, Sydney University Football Club said: ‘‘SUFC regrets to inform our community that we have a confirmed case of COVID-19 within our playing group.

‘‘As the player was symptomatic on Sunday, NSW Health are advising anyone who had close contact on Saturday is of concern.

‘‘Everyone determined to be a close contact of the case will be contacted by NSW Health and will need to self-quarantine for 14 days [until midnight March 28].’’