Queensland Reds’ pre-season clash with Saitama Wild Knights called off

Covid-19 has forced the Queensland Reds to call off a December trip to Japan for a match against the Saitama Wild Knights.

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.

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

Tom Lynagh and the Queensland Reds will no longer travel to Japan in December. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“It is unfortunate we’ve had to postpone our match this year with the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan,” Reds general manager of professional rugby Sam Cordingley said.

“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.

“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 was confident the match would take place next year.

“We are very much looking forward to making this great event happen in the future and continue to seek and discuss the suitable time frame for it,” Iijima said.

“We are grateful the Reds remain interested in travelling to Saitama between September and December in 2022 for the match and we are very hopeful to find the best timing for this opportunity.”

Originally published as Queensland Reds’ pre-season clash with Saitama Wild Knights called off