Covid sees Reds shelve Japan trip

THE Queensland Reds’ pre-season trip to Japan has been cancelled due to the ramifications of Covid-19.

The Reds were due to meet the Saitama Wild Knights at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in December as part of a partnership between the clubs that was announced last year.

But, with Covid-19 present in both nations, the decision has been made to shelve the match.

“I know both organisations take this pandemic seriously and much consideration was made into this decision including player and staff welfare in relation to travel and associated quarantine requirements,” Reds general manager of professional rugby Sam Cordingley said.

“We remain open to finding an appropriate window between September and December next year to travel to Saitama for our inaugural match and we thank the Wild Knights for their valued partnership and continued support.”

Wild Knights general manager Hitoshi Iijima said he was confident the match would take place next year.

“We are very much looking forward to make this great event happen in the future,” Iijima said.

“We are grateful the Reds remain interested in travelling to Saitama between September and December in 2022 for the match.”