Coronavirus outbreak: Super Rugby matches relocated to Australia as UAE Tour abandoned
Coronavirus is cutting a swathe through world sport with Super Rugby games forced out of Japan, the UAE Tour cut two days short and Italian football teams playing behind closed doors.
Super Rugby
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The Brumbies’ Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves has been relocated from Osaka to Wollongong while Brisbane will also host an additional match due to the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the UAE Tour has been abandoned after two Italian cyclists tested positive to coronavirus, with teams and riders reported to be under lockdown in their hotels.
SANZAAR officials rescheduled the round six Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and Sunwolves will now be played at WIN Stadium at 2:45pm on March 6 before the NSW Waratahs host the Chiefs at the same venue later that night.
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The Sunwolves’ clash with the Crusaders on March 14 has been moved from Tokyo to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium as a double-header with the Reds-Bulls match.
SANZAAR announced on Thursday morning the Japanese government requested the cancellation of all sporting events for the next two weeks.
Super Rugby chief executive Andy Marinos said they needed to make changes to conform with Japanese government requirements and ensure the well-being of players, management teams, match officials and spectators.
“For the integrity of the tournament we also believe relocating the matches was the right thing to do regardless of the complexities involved,” Marinos said.
“Due to the fact that the Sunwolves were due in Australia for two matches following the Brumbies and Crusaders matches in Japan, and the availability of stadiums and suitable broadcast windows, the matches have been relocated to Australia.”
UAE Tour organisers said that all the participants in the race, that had been due to finish this weekend, will be tested for the virus which hit Italy hardest in Europe.
A total of 24 Italian cyclists started the race in the UAE.
“It’s a shame that the #UAETour has been cancelled but public health must come first,” tweeted British star Chris Froome, a four-time winner of the Tour de France.
“We are all awaiting testing and will remain at the hotel until further notice. I hope those affected make a speedy recovery and there aren’t any further cases #coronavirus.”
With the race abandoned, Britain’s Adam Yates, who led after five stages, was set to be declared the winner.
In Italy, the clash between Juventus and title rivals Inter Milan is among five Serie A games which will be played behind closed doors this weekend.
The other four are Udinese against Fiorentina, AC Milan at home to Genoa, Parma against SPAL and Sassuolo versus Brescia.
The Italian government has ordered matches be played behind closed doors in six northern regions most affected by the outbreak.
Inter Milan are third in the Serie A table, six points behind leaders Juventus after their game against Sampdoria was also among four postponed last weekend.