Sunwolves v Brumbies called off; relocation uncertain

AUCKLAND: Coronavirus has hit Super Rugby, resulting in next week’s match between the Sunwolves and Brumbies being called off.

‘‘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,’’ a statement yesterday said.

‘‘This includes the Sunwolves versus Brumbies match that is scheduled to be played in Osaka ...

‘‘Sanzaar is now working to determine if this match can be relocated. Sanzaar will issue further details on the position of this match and any potential further disruptions in the near future,’’ the statement continued.

The Sunwolves are in New Zealand for tomorrow’s match against the Hurricanes in

Napier.

Earlier yesterday, the men’s and women’s Six Nations fixtures between Ireland and Italy were postponed. Eleven towns in northern Italy are in lockdown due to coronavirus. The matches, set down for March 7 and 8 in Dublin, will be rescheduled.

The Irish Rugby Football Union said in a statement it had been formally advised that the National Public Health Emergency team had determined the series of matches should not proceed, in the interests of Public Health.

‘‘The IRFU is happy to comply with this instruction,’’ it said.

The Hong Kong and Singapore legs of the Sevens World Series, originally scheduled for April, were last month also postponed until October to curtail the spread of the virus. —