Top League on hold

Rugby: The first meeting of former All Black captain Kieran Read and first fiveeighth Beauden Barrett in Japan will have to wait after a Covid19 outbreak at three Top League clubs.

The Japanese Rugby Football Union has confirmed 44 players and staff tested have positive for the virus, including 13 at Toyota Verblitz, seven at Suntory Sungoliath and 24 at Canon Eagles, forcing the cancellation of their opening matches of the 2021 season.

Toyota captain Read had been due to face compatriot Barrett in his debut for Suntory, while Ricoh Black Rams were to play Canon Eagles. Under league policy, the matches will not be played at a later date and will be registered as draws. — Reuters