Suncorp games ‘will go ahead’
TODAY’S Super Rugby double-header at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, involving teams from four nations, is going ahead with enhanced hygiene directives.
The Queensland Reds traditionally end matches by mingling with fans but have been directed not to pose for selfies, give autographs or have physical contact with the crowd.
“The players will still do a lap of the ground as a thank you to fans but remove the element of physical contact,” a Queensland Rugby Union spokesman said.
“We are following all advice from federal and state agencies ... the double-header will go ahead.”
The Reds have been testing the temperature of players daily for more than a week to pick up any potential warning sign of a coronavirus case.
Illness has ruled prop JP Smith out of tonight’s clash (6.15pm AEST) with the Pretoria-based Bulls, but a precautionary test for coronavirus has come back negative.
Today’s final round of Premier Rugby club trials for all grades will go ahead at Kenmore Playing Fields: (Brothers v University of Queensland), Bottomley Park (Easts v Souths), Courtney Oval (Wests v Norths) and Oldmac Oval (Sunnybank v GPS).
Governing body SANZAAR was informed yesterday by the Argentina Rugby Union that the mayor of Buenos Aires had issued a “no spectators” edict for sport in the capital.
The immediate effect is that the Jaguares-Highlanders match in Buenos Aires will be played behind closed doors on Sunday morning (AEST).
“We have been planning for such contingencies and have been cognisant of all government and health authority directives,” Super Rugby chief executive Andy Marinos said.
Two matches have already been relocated from Japanese venues, including today’s (3.35 pm AEST) Sun wolves Crusaders match at Suncorp Stadium.
Reds coach Brad Thorn has already preferred an elbow bump to a handshake when catching up with good friend and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson this week.
“There’s a lot of stuff happening isn’t there, but for us we are just trying to train hard, compete hard and win a game of footy,” Thorn said.
A Suncorp Stadium advisory said Brisbane’s premier football venue was following advice from the Department of Health with the precautions in place.